Pagefield Consultant Owen Mitchell has just returned from Brighton after attending the 2024 Liberal Democrat Party conference: Here are his key takeaways:
Following the record election of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs in the summer, this year’s conference was awash with excitement, with delegates celebrating their historic electoral success, whilst basking in the Brighton sunshine.
For many of the new intake, conference was a key opportunity make their mark, as many looked to earn their place on the Party’s new frontbench team, which was announced yesterday.
The core policies from the conference included plans to reform health and social care, rebuild ties with Europe and tackle sewage pollution. Although these policies have been the cornerstone of Lib Dem campaigning for some time, it’s becoming increasingly evident that the Party are pivoting – albeit slightly – to position themselves as a serious alternative to Labour. One that promises to protect winter fuel allowances for pensioners and has a clear plan for fixing health and social care.
Having said this, there is no doubt that the Party’s biggest target is still the Tories. 20 of the 27 seats where the Party polled in second place are blue, and there was renewed hope at conference that more of these could fall in the next election, especially if the Conservative elect a right-wing leader, which at present seems an inevitability.
Similar to last year, Sir Ed Davey’s closing speech showcased his personable side, sharing stories about caring for his son John alongside his wife Emily, which many voters have clearly connected with. His speech went big on personal experience and hope, referencing his Party’s dedication to values of decency, compassion, and respect, but there was a noticeable lack of substantive new policy announcements. Perhaps this is unsurprising for a party whose policies have little hope of becoming law, however it is something that will surely need to change if the Party is to build on its recent electoral success and pose a significant challenge to Labour.
With all eyes on next May’s local elections, the Lib Dems will need to sustain the momentum they gained in the summer. And despite the carnival atmosphere at conference, questions remain on whether to sit ‘left’ of Labour, how to keep voters’ support when fighting the opposition rather than the government, and, given the rapid expansion of the parliamentary party, how to manage the real risk of in-fighting among MPs.
However, if the Lib Dems can genuinely deliver on social care reform and hold the government to account as promised, there is no doubt the Party can build on the public’s renewed trust and become a realistic contender for government once again.
