Liberal Democrat conference: Three more questions
What is the mood of the Liberal Democrat party, halfway through the coalition? Channel 4 News is asking three key questions of delegates at the autumn party conference.
The Liberal Democrats have been in the coalition government now for over two years. While they have achieved some of their key policy aims, such as implementing the pupil premium and raising the income tax threshold, there have been other well-publicised failures – such as the broken pledge on tuition fees and the collapse of House of Lords reform.
Before the next election, expected in 2015, there are more challenges ahead – not least differentiating their party from their coalition partners, the Conservatives, in the eyes of voters.
There is also the sticky question of leadership, after a number of polls showed that Nick Clegg’s popularity is on the wane.
Channel 4 News has been out into the conference halls meeting delegates, from top politicians to grassroots party faithful, to find out how the party feels about its future.
Danny Alexander
What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
The best thing we’ve done is deliver an income tax cut for 24 million people.
Do you back Nick Clegg as party leader?
Nick Clegg is a fantastic leader.
Who is the enemy?
Both other political parties.
Sue Vincent, Lib Dem member and Women Liberal Democrats representative
What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
Taking people out of the bottom layer of tax is the best. The worst – where do I start? I don’t think we should have voted for the NHS reforms. It’s also not good that we have hardly any women or people from ethnic minorities in the Commons – I’d favour women-only short lists but I don’t think that will get through the party. But we can also work to give women more confidence and look at things like job sharing for MPs.
Do you back Nick Clegg as leader?
I am not his biggest fan. I didn’t vote for him as leader. He is better in individual question and answer sessions, I don’t like his speeches. But I don’t know who should replace him – perhaps in a few years Jo Swinson? She would be a fantastic leader and it would be nice to have a woman.
Who is the enemy?
The Tories – out across the country in elections they are the most dangerous concern.
Mike Pictor, Humanist and Secularist Liberal Democrats representative
What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
I think taking people out of tax has been the best but for me personally there is nothing I feel let down by.
Do you back Nick Clegg as leader?
I think he’s competent and the fact that he is a linguist is a great help because he is representing our country abroad. But I don’t think of him as a charismatic leader.
Who is the enemy?
The Tories – out across the country in elections they are the most dangerous concern.