The Liberal Democrats have ideas to play with. They have seats at the table. But with all this history and points at which they’ve stuck out their neck to make their case known, the party still exists in a state of obscurity. It’s not easy to understand what Ed Davey’s plan is. As a coalition of liberals, they might as well all be independents.
The line is that Liberal Democrats will defend rights and choices insofar as they’re legal and need to be protected. The causes that become ‘great’ in societal terms are backed by their MPs and become a part of their electoral strategy. The keener will have noticed this isn’t necessarily original work. Such an act can’t change things for good.
Interventionism is how parties are usually able to operate on a large scale in British politics. The tagging along proves small results. Getting stuck in is the only way forward but the question is about their ability to do it. An upsurge in votes needed to win an election can only come from people around you. Their support base is the answer.
It’s true that many hands can make light work of politics in such a vibrant culture like ours. As Labour sucks up support here and there, with trade unions also in toe, the Lib Dems would have to carve out a niche for itself in every place where it matters to sweep into power. A real fight for power is yet to come. Davey should prepare for the charge.