Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. My faith in my party and this government is gone forever by Lisa Harding on Spiderplantland.
On redundancy and the Welfare Reform Bill.

2. Betrayal and Loathing In the Lib Dems on Steve Pitt’s Blog: Life & Politics in Wirral.
Steve sadly contemplates a name change for the party.

3. This means war by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
On Lib Dem MPs’ votes in support of the government’s welfare reforms.

4. Ed Davey is not fit to be a Cabinet minister on Gareth Epps’ blog.
Gareth disagrees with Nick.

5. Come on Davey light my fire by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“Let’s hope he can surprise me in his new role as Energy Secretary,” says Jonathan.

6. Why are Liberal Democrats becoming hostile to genuine liberal reforms? by Daniel Furr on Too Liberal.
Daniel wants to see more competition.

7. Gay ex-footballer talks openly to A Scottish Liberal by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
“Look, there are quite a lot of gay footballers. They’re not all playing in the Premier League but they’re out there. I was one of them. There have always been others.”

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Headlines you won’t read today: University applications up this year more than 16% by Stephen Tall on The Collected Stephen Tall.
“Excellent piece of analysis from Stephen putting the headline figures into proper context” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

9. If tuition fees work, but keep us out of government for 80 years, is that a price worth paying? by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
“Richard Morris asks the tricky question, “If tuition fees work, but keep us out of government for 80 years, is that a price worth paying?”" (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

10. Metablog: The Labour Party needs to win moral, not economic, credibility by Jack Holroyde on Gaining the Advantage.
“Not because I like the Labour party, or dislike the coalition – but because a strong, principled and visionary opposition is the best thing for all of us.” (Submitted by @theGladstonian via Twitter.)

11. Simon Hughes: Young people have not been put off university… by Tim Holyoake on Just One More Ten Pence Piece ….
“This post specifically looks at the issues surrounding fees for mature and part time students and has provoked a little debate in the comments too.” (Submitted by Tim Holyoake via email.)

12. ECFR Scorecard – Britain’s role in EU Foreign Policy by Morgan Griffith-David on Spineless Liberal.
“Britain as “Great” is a fait accompli no longer, and we must fight for our place on the world stage – the European Union offers us the best opportunity to hold on to our waning power” (Submitted by Alisdair McGregor via email.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Liberal Democrat Whip resigns over MEP selection on Chris Davies MEP’s blog.
Davies resigns as whip in a gesture of protest against the expected confirmation that Stewart Arnold is to be one of the party’s MEPs in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

2. Clegg’s e-mail signals start of fight back against Labour by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron praises “joined-up thinking” in the party’s comms.

3. Two difficult elections lead to two defeats by ALDC.
By-election commentary from the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors.

4. Letting the side down? by Peter Wrigley on Keynesian Liberal.
Peter regrets the recent resignations of two Lib Dem MEPs.

5. Blog: Wallis succession: It just doesn’t sound right on Chris Davies MEP’s blog.
Davies opposes the possibility that Diana Wallis’s husband could succeed her as MEP.

6. For the benefit of Iain Duncan-Smith: a definition of homelessness by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
Shelter’s official definition, in fact.

7. On “locking horns” with the Telegraph’s Cristina Odone by Stephen Tall on The Collected Stephen Tall.
As the Telegraph is forced to apologise after printing false claims about Chris Huhne, Stephen takes Cristina to task on Twitter.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Why are Paddy and other Lib Dem Peers picking this Welfare Reform fight? by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“A good look at the reasons behind the governmnent’s defeat on the benefit cap.” (Submitted by GeorgeWPotter via LibDig.)

9. We need to tackle ‘crony capitalism’ on our watch on Gareth Epps’ blog.
“A sorry tale of a lobbying organisation on behalf of property companies getting rather more equal access to Goverment than others.” (Submitted by garethepps via LibDig.)

10. The day the Coalition broke. Literally. by Stephen Tall on the Collected Stephen Tall.
“An allegory from Stephen Tall’s kitchen – his coalition mug breaks the very day Clegg calls for faster tax cuts.” (Submitted by helenduffett via LibDig.)

11. Yes to Help for Low Earners, But We NEED to Help the No-Earners Too! by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant.
“That Elephant gets it bang on yet again – we are not challenging the appalling way people who aren’t in work are treated.” (Submitted by Caron via LibDig.)

12. Question: Big or small government? Answer: effective by Henry Vann on Lib Dem Voice.
“Excellent post – ‘We are surely the party that says “I don’t care how big or small the state is; I care about the individual and their control over their life.”" (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Chris Davies slams fellow Lib Dem MEP Wallis over her shock resignation by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron rounds up the reactions.

2. Newcomen Ward residents show their contempt for Labour’s obnoxious smearmongering on Chris Abbott’s blog.
“No more Labour leaflets” signs in residents’ windows.

3. The best kept secret in the Liberal Democrats on Mark Pack’s blog.
The concessions Liberal Democrat peers have been securing in the House of Lords over welfare reform.

4. Fitzsimmons defends Israel’s lebensraum by David Grace on Disgruntled Radical.
“Lorna Fitzsimmons condemns Nick Clegg for describing Israeli settlement building as “a deliberate act of vandalism”.”

5. Chris Davies is still very angry with Diana Wallis by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“I would probably have preferred that the arguing had taken place behind closed doors,” says Caron.

6. The real problem the Liberal Democrats have with gender balance by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
“Very little progress will be made on gender balance if our energies are directed only towards aspiring politicians rather than in defending the seats of the most vulnerable incumbents,” says Andrew.

7. Wohoo – Tim Farron comes out fighting… by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
On the party President’s latest missile missive.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Why Charlotte Henry’s purity test of “real” liberalism is misguided by James Graham on Quaequam Blog!
“Features a good quick history lesson on who the factions really were.” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

9. Why Zoe Williams’ tale of Tesco subsidies only tells half the story by James Graham on Quaequam Blog!
“Why raising the personal tax allowance is both a liberal and socially just policy.” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

10. Ballsed up – Labour’s economic narrative implodes by Matthew Green on Thinking Liberal.
“Matthew Green gives a brilliantly fair-minded account of how Labour’s economic narrative has unravelled.” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

11. SNP MP claims to be an Unionist by Stephen Glenn on Stephen’s Liberal Journal.
“Stephen caputres an SNP attempt to baffle a NI Unionist as to which ‘union’ he is discussing in light of independence for Scotland.” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

12. Elton John and David Furnish: Ridiculous Mail story by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
The bit that takes the biscuit is: “Lady John (as he’d be called if he was a woman)”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. What the fuck has happened to us? by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
On Wednesday’s House of Lords vote on the Welfare Reform Bill.

2. So, Nick Clegg thinks I’m an extremist… by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
On Nick Clegg’s remarks about attitudes to Scottish independence.

3. Sausages by David Grace on Disgruntled Radical.
David revives a meaty meme.

4. David Dimbleby and the demise of Nationwide by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Did the enlistment of David Dimbleby in 1982 seal Nationwide’s fate?

5. The Independence Referendum – praise for Mike Moore by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron rounds up the plaudits for the Scottish Secretary.

6. Charles Kennedy set to lead pro-Union campaign in referendum by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“Will Charles and co. be enough to save the Union?” asks Jonathan.

7. If Scotland votes for independence it’s game over, binding or not on Mark Thompson’s Blog.
“If Scotland votes in a referendum for further or full independence, regardless of whether David Cameron likes how and when the vote occurs, it will happen.”

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. What should the Spartacus Report mean for the Welfare Reform Bill? by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Caron reminds everyone why the Spartacus Report means all Lib Dem members of parliament should be having a rethink about the Welfare Reform Bill” (Submitted by Richard Morris via LibDig.)

9. Well done Jenny Tonge by David Grace on Disgruntled Radical.
“Very well merited commendations for Jenny Tonge for her sterling performance in the Lords, voting for party policy when even the likes of Lord Ashdown didn’t.” (Submitted by GeorgeWPotter via LibDig.)

10. +++Breaking News Lords reject one year time limit for ESA by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“The very welcome news that Lib Dem policy triumphed in the Lords, even though so few of our peers supported it.” (Submitted by GeorgeWPotter via LibDig.)

11. Loving Borgen, but I do just have three questions about it… by Stephen Tall on The Collected Stephen Tall.
“Really. I mean, the leader of the Moderates, Birgitte Nyborg, sparks a dose of ‘Cleggmania’ which actually works… she gains more seats, and forms a government. This is Lib Dem dreamland!”

12. Who’s Up in 2012 at ALDC .
A very useful summary of the composition of councillors, by authority-type and party, facing election in May 2012.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Exclusive poll data: where have the lost Liberal Democrat voters gone? on Mark Pack’s blog.
Oh Mark, you tease.

2. We liberals have our myths too by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Media mythbusting.

3. My most commented post on New Statesman ever. And what comments. Blimey by Richard Morris on a View from Ham Common.
This is what you get for horseplay, Richard.

4. Nick Clegg, Mark Pack and Chocolate – all in 5 minutes on the Today Programme by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron critiques the DPM’s appearance on Thursday’s Radio 4 Today programme.

5. Listen very carefully, I will say this only 529 times: David Cameron can NOT call an election by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Paul points to the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.

6. Have we all been complicit in collective naiveté? Lib Dems have underestimated Tory politicking and missed the real political narrative by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
Beware Tory stealth attacks, says Matthew.

7. Is Euro realism breaking out in the Liberal Democrats? by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“Support for co-operation at a European level need not decay into uncritical support for the current structures and policies of the European Union. Liberal Democrats should be known for demanding reform in Europe – as we do everywhere else.”

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Political storytellers to watch in 2012 (1): Barack Obama seeks re-election by Neil Stockley.
“Perceptive, as ever, here’s Neil’s guide to the possible incumbent narrative of 2012.” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

9. Tories don’t do social mobility. Would Labour? by Lester Holloway.
“Sutton councillor Lester Holloway says Nick Clegg’s Demo speech about an open society can only be achieved in partnership with Labour.” (Submitted by Lester via LibDig.)

10. A new year – time to take stock: What Opinion Polls teach us from being in Government and what it says we should do in 2012 by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“So what have we learnt from the highs and lows of opinion polls since being in Government and what does it say we need to do in 2012″ (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

11. Diane Abbott: what’s race got to do with it? by James Graham on Quaequam Blog!
“James Graham hits nail on head” (Submitted by niles via LibDig.)

12. Diane Abbott. You can’t generalise about people’s views according to their skin colour. by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
“Richard Morris makes some very good point about why what Diane Abbott said is unacceptable.” (Submitted by GeorgeWPotter via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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But for those who are interested — not least the Voice Collective — here are the most-read posts published on LibDemVoice during 2011:

1. Opinion: However unfair it is, Chris Huhne should step down
Simon McGrath | Published 22nd May 2011

2. Chris Huhne’s election expenses: once again, nothing to see here, move along
By Mark Pack | Published 25th May 2011

3. Barnsley Central result: Labour win, Lib Dems sixth
By The Voice | Published 4th March 2011

4. Andrew Reeves passes away
By Mark Pack | Published 3rd June 2011

5. Black Friday for Lib Dems: it’s worse than we thought
By Stephen Tall | Published 6th May 2011

6. Dealing with the political weather: three lessons to learn
By Mark Pack | Published 25th May 2011

7. Ken Livingstone: mine won’t be a grassroots funded campaign
By Mark Pack | Published 28th August 2011

8. Response: Chair of Federal Conference Committee on increased security measures
By Andrew Wiseman | Published 3rd June 2011

9. Ouch! Lib Dems suffer first anti-government backlash in 80 years
By Stephen Tall | Published 6th May 2011

10. LDV Caption Competition | Hugh Grant and Nick Clegg “one for the family album” edition
By Stephen Tall | Published 18th September 2011

11. Why Simon Kelner is wrong to defend Johann Hari
By Stephen Tall | Published 29th June 2011

12. Those Oldham East and Saddleworth polls: what do they mean?
By Stephen Tall | Published 9th January 2011

Honourable mentions, too, to for two posts which would have featured in the Golden Dozen of 2011 as among the 12 most-read articles on the site… except for the fact that both were published in 2010. Ah, the power of search engine optimisation! They were:

Election purdah period: what can and can’t be done?
By Mark Pack | Published 8th March 2010

Andrew Marr: a little bit of a hypocrite
By Stephen Tall | Published 11th October 2010

Many thanks to the 419,010 individual visitors who dropped by LibDemVoice in the past year. Hope to see you here again during 2012!

* Stephen Tall is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, and also writes at his own site, The Collected Stephen Tall.

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. A Labour Party we could work with by Tom Papworth on Liberal Vision.
Tom says it’s not as crazy as it might sound.

2. Do the Lib Dems have a Clegg problem if we wanted to work with Labour in 2015? by Andrew Emmerson on the Yellow Bastard.
Andrew’s also considering a coalition with Labour.

3. In which I am mentioned in First Minister’s Questions… by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
Alex Salmond namechecks Andrew Page.

4. Margaret Moran may be too ill to face trail by Andy Strange on Strange Thoughts.
The former Luton South MP may not be well enough to face trial for expenses related charges.

5. Ed Miliband; doomed to lose the next election? by Chris Sams on The Ginger Liberal from Medway.
A look at the polls… and a history lesson.

6. How did I do on my 2011 predictions? on Mark Thompson’s blog.
Mark’s mixed bag.

7. Narrativewatch: Nick Clegg’s “Happy New Year” message by Neil Stockley.
“Facts tell, but stories sell . . .”.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Why I’ve never felt more at home with the Liberal Democrats by Josh Dixon on Liberal Insight.
“A Good News New Year message: “We are a party that is founded upon fairness and democracy, something which may often be lacking in society. If we utilise what we do have and not allow it to slip away under a barrage of negative press and comments then we can really make a change for the better.” ” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

9. Opportunistic party bashing from within rears its head again by Lisa Harding on Spiderplant Land.
“Spidey gives some constructive criticism to another blogger and their attempt to stir up discord within the party.” (Submitted by cjmillsnun via LibDig.)

10. Danny Alexander is more influential than Simon Cowell by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“That is the moral that the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier draws from GQ magazine’s list of the 100 most influential men in Britain”

11. 12 Predictions for 2012 by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Politics, sport… and summink about Karen, Rory and River…

12. It’s been quite a year by Lynne Featherstone MP.
Lynne looks back on 2011 in government and in Hornsey and Wood Green.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Underestimating Danny Alexander by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Mr Alexander doth speak in italics.

2. Odd defection news on Simon Wilson’s blog.
Musical chairs in Norfolk.

3. The Liberal Democrats in 2012 by Andrew Emmerson on The Yellow Bastard.
Andrew’s 6-point plan for growth.

4. Ed Milbiand, head in hands, caught on Google StreetView by Mark Pack.

5. I still don’t feel that sense of urgency… by Richard Morris on a View from Ham Common.
Richard’s finger wavers over the panic button…

6. Winning public support on the EU could not be more simple by Joshua Dixon on Liberal Insight.
Just talk about it, says Josh.

7. Guardian corrects 37 stories at once – is this a record? by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
All related to the hacking of Milly Dowler’s voicemail.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. How not to run an elected mayor campaign on Steve Middleton’s blog.
“If you’re politically naive, then it’s generally not a good idea to accept a public debate challenge from two veterans of local politics – but that’s exactly what Geoffrey Berg (Salford’s elected mayor petition organiser) did on Wednesday night. I’ve previously written extensively on my blog about Salford’s elected mayor referendum that was forced by Mr Berg and his English Democrat sidekick.” (Submitted by Actual via LibDig.)

9. ‘Nick Clegg sneers at Mr and Mrs Britain’ by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
The Express takes “a particularly venoumous” pop at Nick Clegg’s comments about taxt breaks for married couples.

10. Tim Farron’s Christmas Message – and my challenge to him for 2012 by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“My challenge to our President for the New Year is to get through an entire Conference speech without one single football reference.”

11. Remembering David Penhaligon by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
“His untimely death [25 years ago] robbed the party of one of its great communicators and almost certainly a future leader.”

12. Why Clegg was right to choose Popper by David Boyle on The Real Blog.
Popper was the central figure of Nick Clegg’s Demos speech this week and “is also, as it happens, the philosophical justification for Liberal-style localism – it is about “setting free the critical powers of man”.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Tories hold Coombe Vale with increased majority by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
“This breaks a 24 year duck for Kingston Conservatives who have failed to win any by-election in Kingston Borough since 1987.”

2. How Ed Miliband could be PM by Christmas. ish. by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
What would happen if a Vote of No Confidence were called.

3. Are the Lib Dems really pro-European? by Iain Sharpe on Eaten By Missionaries.
“Time and again I let slip in conversation to a Lib Dem colleague that I don’t quite share the party’s zeal for the European project only to be told that neither do they.”

4. Europe and the Liberal Democrats: we’re at our best when we believe in something by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
“If you’re not in the room when the big questions are discussed, you’re not fighting for Britain’s interest, you’re watching as other decide your future for you,” says Mark.

5. Lessons from Feltham and Heston on Jonathan Fryer’s blog.
“The campaign probably needed more of a persuasive national LibDem narrative: why should people vote LibDem nationally at the moment?”

6. Europe: Clegg got it right..and then completely wrong… by Angela Harbutt on Liberal Vision.
On Nick’s handling of the post-veto situation.

7. Since when was it ok to violently throw someone off a train? by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“I think the Scotrail conductor was wrong to accept the offer of help he received to have the guy removed,” says Caron.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Education isn’t a political football by Rhys Taylor on Ramblings of a Lib Dem.
“The issue of education and RCT is beginning to be a bit repetitive now. Having blogged about the farce Labour led RCT Council made over the restructuring of post-16 education in the county borough not so long ago, the Government’s new ‘banding system’ only highlights the failings of RCT on education.” (Submitted by rhystaylor92 via LibDig.)

9. Alex Salmond complains bitterly to Cameron over EU veto – but fails to say what he would have done by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Caron on the SNP’s opportunistic response to the Cameron and Europe.” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

10. Small row in Europe, not many hurt by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“Lashings of common sense on Europe (albeit a little superseded by events).” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

11. Is it REALLY necessary to be that aggressive? by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
“Why I love Lady Mark. End of.” (Submitted by caron via LibDig.)

12. What would Clegg say if he wasn’t in Government? Lib Dems have lost their most effective voice by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“What we are seeing is the result of Clegg having been put in a box and having lost his voice. As a result the Lib Dems have lost their voice and so we shouldn’t be surprised that our poll rating is so low. The country misses Nick Clegg, but more importantly, the country needs Nick Clegg.” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Nick Clegg’s verdict on events in Europe on Mark Pack’s blog.

2. Lib Dem MEP: British demands were “reasonable” on Mark Pack’s blog.

3. Where Do We Go From Here? by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
“David Cameron has… apparently shown that he’ll throw away the whole point of his Government to stop the Tory Party from eating him.”

4. Proud to be a Lib Dem by Richard Kemp on But what does Richard Kemp think?
As Nick Clegg announces a roll-back of Whitehall-centred bureaucracy, Richard reflects on the benefits for Liverpool.

5. Liberal Democrats and the budget deficit: two politics often forgotten on Mark Pack’s blog.

6. Why the UK has lost the Euro argument on Cicero’s Songs.
“The image of Britain is so rooted in the Second World War, that we have become imprisoned in a national myth which insists on our unique righteousness and moral certainty.”

7. This Labour candidate should explain herself on Jonathan Wallace’s blog.
On a mismatch between claims and action, in Gateshead’s Whickham North.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Worrying signs Lib Dem Ministers thinking is being corrupted – They should not forget their roots by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“If this coalition has taught us anything, it is surely that throwing ourselves in with the Tories has not been a move that will gain us votes. Perhaps the next thing this Coalition will teach us is that Lib Dem politicians are also prone to being influenced by the positions they hold.” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

9. A Liberal Vision for Education: There’s no point reforming our broken system. This is a new education system. by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“The Lib Dems need to make themselves relevant again. The only way to do this is if we have a idea of what a Liberal Britain would look like. Education is a good place to start.” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

10. Welcome to the year – 2030 on Keith Nevols’ blog .
“Keith Nevols takes a look at how the British Isles may look in 2030 as a result of David Cameron’s isolationist approach to Europe.” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

11. Labour call to scrap the pupil premium by Jackie Pearcey, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Gorton North.
Manchester Labour want to scrap the Pupil Premium, calling it a “sham”.

12. What Lib Dems have done for Norfolk on Jonah Oliver’s blog.
“It might not all be plain sailing, but at least Lib Dems, in government and locally, are making a real difference for the people of Norfolk.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Liberal Democrat rebranding by Alex Marsh on Alex’s Archives.

2. Ed Balls calls for Lab – Lib Coalition by Richard Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
Richard quotes the Independent on Sunday.

3. Labour actually believe they left a golden legacy on Jonathan Wallace’s blog.
Jonathan looks at Labour’s legacy in Gateshead.

4. “This has been a surprisingly successful autumn [for...] the Liberal Democrats” on Mark Pack’s blog.
Mark quotes Martin Kettle in the Guardian.

5. Whilst a tragic death should not be clouded by allegations of sexuality – we shouldn’t allow homophobia to continue in football. on Lee Dargue’s blog.
Time to tackle it, says Lee.

6. Roger Crouch to be Lib Dem candidate in the Feltham & Heston by-election by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.

7. My new piece is up at the New Statesman & will upset lots of people. by Richard Morris on A View From Ham Common.
“How lovely it is that we’ve started setting the agenda.”.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. What part of Yes do you not understand? by James Graham on Quaequam Blog!
“Cripes. Massive blog from James Graham on Yes to AV” (Submitted by niles via LibDig.)

9. “Scotland’s nature is to be Liberal” – Tim Farron by Tim Farron MP on Scots Gazette.
(Submitted by Gavin Hamilton via email.)

10. Creating Lib Dem Visions: Successful politics needs to have a vision for the area by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“If you created a Lib Dem vision for your area how would this change what you campaigned on?” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

11. Glum councillors website is back by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
Three cheers! (Or should that be three tears?)

12. Viral video dispels myths around equal marriage and family by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico.
“It is so powerful as it emphasises the point that families raised by gay couples are no better, no worse, than heterosexual families, they are just a family with all the difficulties and joys that brings.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Day 3977: If Mr Balls walks like a duck and talks like a duck, does that make him a QUACK? by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant.
Spitting out the Shadow Chancellor’s alternative medicine.

2. Lib Dems GAIN Hazelmere South, Conservatives fall to third place behind UKIP by Richard Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
By-election roundup.

3. Charting the rise and fall of Nick Clegg… by Dan Falchikov on Living on Words Alone.
An academic study and a focus group.

4. Why the Lib Dems won’t be annihilated in 2015 by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
” I think it’s not just plausible but likely that we will hang on to most of our seats and that we should keep Clegg as leader,” says George.

5. CPS Huhne decision “very close” by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Paul’s not holding his breath.

6. Loveday Jenkin wins Wendron by-election on Councillor Jeremy Rowe’s blog.

7. Crouch vs. Balls & Labour’s five point plan. by Chris Sams on The thoughts of a Ginger Liberal from Medway.
On political point scoring.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Lib Dem success in benefit increase debate on Nick Thornsby’s blog.
” “Over recent weeks, a fierce debate has been raging at the centre of government over the rate at which benefits will be increased next year…” writes Nick.” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

9. Energy and Action on Jazz Hands Serious Business.
“Some thoughts about online Lib Dem peer support groups, and how they tie into campaigning for and within the party.” (Submitted by dave.page via LibDig.)

10. Youth Jobs. I’m spending the whole weekend worrying…. by Richard Morris on A View from Ham Common.
“Labour say that the new Youth jobs scheme will be paid for by freezing tax credits for the most poorly paid. Please don’t let it be true.” (Submitted by Richard Morris via LibDig.)

11. Paul Waugh gives more examples of Lib Dems stopping Tories doing their worst by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Remember that as you hit the doorsteps and people express their concerns about the coalition – we have a lot to be proud of and things would be a lot worse without us there,” says Caron.

12. Majority support for Union according to the Mail on Nic Prigg’s blog.
Nicola would like to see Westminster helping to forge a new path.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. My dear wife Glynis by Chris Abbott on Chris and Glynis Abbott.
Deepest condolences, Chris, on Glynis’ passing.

2. The curious case of the Coombe Vale by-election… by Dan Falchikov on Living on words alone.
A double resignation in Kingston Borough.

3. Paddy Ashdown Is Frightened on Jonathan Fryer’s blog.
Paddy gave his view of the world, at a London Liberal Democrats’ fundraising dinner.

4. It’s Nick’s aides that need to up their game by Angela Harbutt on Liberal Vision.
We need a plan, says Angela.

5. David Amess MP faces more expenses questions on the Rambles of Neil Monnery.
Neil speculates on the possibility of a Southend West by-election.

6. My first visit to the Lib Dems’ new HQ on Jonathan Wallace’s blog.
Jonathan gives it the thumbs-up.

7. Bisexual Depression by Zoe O’Connell on Complicity.
Bi women are more likely to get depressed, according to a recent study.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Clegg tells Lib Dems to come out from behind the sofa by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“Jonathan Calder identifies two reasons why the party may have been a little shy over the past year.” (Submitted by stephenftall via LibDig.)

9. Independent research backs Social Liberal Forum: Strong recommendations for Lib Dem economic policy by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“The Social Liberal Forum endorse the Spirit Level and propose policies to promote equality, while those more economic liberals have argued that this is not a good strategy to pursue. So the Rowntree Foundation commissioned an independent review and the results are in, with some serious implications for the party as a result.” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

10. A reflective poem in the spirit of remembrance by Matt McLaren on Wisdom and Power.
“A (hopefully) thought provoking poem about our collective responsibility for war, especially poignant in light of actions in Libya this year and continuing violence in Afghanistan.” (Submitted by mattjmclaren via LibDig.)

11. The night I ‘fell’ for Dr Evan Harris by Lisa Harding on Welcome to Spiderplant Land.
Lisa is swept off her feet. Literally. (Hope you’re feeling better, Lisa.)

12. Buy expensive presents or your kids will hate you! by George W. Potter on The Potter Blogger.
Presence, not presents, argues George.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Why I’m not signing up to Compass’ Plan B on Gareth Epps’ blog.
Gareth’s three reasons (though he does welcome the debate).

2. Bunch of disgruntled Lib Dems resort to plan B by Angela Harbutt on Liberal Vision.
“No story there then,” says Angela.

3. How the Liberal Democrats are recovering on Cicero’s Songs.
“The Liberal Democrats, dismissed as irrelevant or worse, are actually achieving far more than the media is giving them credit for.”

4. Lib Dem By-Election Gain & The New Scottish Tory Leader on Nic Prigg’s blog.

5. Labour voters would prefer Con-Lib coalition to Lab-Lib coalition by Richard Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
So says the TNS-BMRB poll..

6. How do you predict how Liberal Democrats are going to do in an election? Easy. by Richard Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
Richard goes pattern-spotting.

7. Lib Dem Caddick in Inverness by-election thriller by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“It wasn’t until the sixth and final stage of the AV count that Liberal Democrat Carolyn Caddick pulled ahead of her SNP rival to win by just 7 votes, 1091 to 1084.”

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Eric Pickles is lying, ladies and gentlemen, start your Risos… by Mark Valladares on the View from Creeting St Peter.
“Mark explodes the latest suggestions from Eric Pickles” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

9. What would David Cameron have answered on women if it hadn’t been for LibDems? by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Caron illustrates how different things would be if the Tories were going it alone.” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

10. That cartoon……… by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“A thoughtful and measured piece from Caron on an unfortunate incident” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

11. Why Occupy is a Threat to Liberalism by Toby MacDonnell on Cerebral Liberal.
(Submitted by Toby MacDonnell via email.)

12. Helping Local Lib Dem Parties to Engage, Recruit and Develop Members on Jazz Hands Serious Business.
Where to get advice, training and information on how to develop your local party’s membership.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. My stroke on Ian Eiloart’s blog.
Ian’s honest and moving account. Best wishes, Ian, for a full recovery.

2. Professor John Curtice sees “obvious” problem in SNP Referendum plan by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Labour and the Tories must not be allowed to suppress our future ambitions,” says Caron.

3. Huhne and Pryce – sword of Damocles?: Court orders Sunday Times to hand over more than 100 emails exchanged with Vicky Pryce by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.

4. Liberal Democrat News: The party should stop calling for referendums on Europe by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
“The more we can do to keep the issue of Europe at the centre of British general election campaigns, the harder life will be for David Cameron,” writes Jonathan.

5. Is it really necessary to elect a new Regional Executive every year? by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
East of England Lib Dems vote to increase their Executive’s term to 2 years.

6. Liberals advance in the Isle of Man by Richard Kemp on But what Does Richard Kemp Think?
Our sister party, Liberal Vannin, triples its members in the House of Keys.

7. Today is the day I say NO to Labour lies on tuition fees. Won’t you join me? by Andrew Emmerson on The Yellow Bastard.
Andrew attacks Labour’s politics of fear.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. City Councillor Named in Top 101 “Pink List” on Sarah Brown’s blog.
“Cambridge City Councillor, Sarah Brown has been named as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK.” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

9. Beith versus Heath: A fight sexier than that over Twitter? by Andy Strange on Strange Thoughts.
“After witnessing a polite and decorous parliamentary punch up I ask whether when Liberal Democrats in government end up behaving like government ministers this is inevitable? And if it is, is it such a bad thing?” (Submitted by andyms via LibDig.)

10. Insert shocking headline on university fees by Kelly-Marie Blundell on Political Parry.
“One must wonder when the student should be considering university if they cannot read the finer detail on the increased fee system and understand that they will, in fact, be far better off.”

11. The lies they tell about the Liberal Democrats on Peter Black AM’s blog.
Peter points out why the Liberal Democrat manifesto cannot be implemented without the support of another party.

12. Sleeping above Liberal Democrat history by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Of Norbreck and Norcalympia.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Always stand a candidate on ALDC.
We didn’t put up a candidate in two elections this week.

2. Lib Dem by-election win, Labour’s decline on Daniel Brett’s blog.
“Former Saffron Walden mayor Mike Hibbs has regained his Audley ward seat on the town council, five months after losing it, in a decisive by-election win with a solid turnout.”

3. A solution to the Lib Dems problems: Start telling the truth by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“The truth is the best antidote to people’s anger and suspicion, so we have got to get the truth out there,” Matthew agrees with Nick.

4. Lib Dems – Stick a fork in us – we’re done on The Ramblings of Neil Monnery.
Neil punctures the pessimism.

5. What we’re all missing in the Mike Hancock affair by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron looks at it from Katia Zatuliveter’s point of view.

6. Five Eurosceptic fallacies by Matthew Green on Thinking Liberal.
Matthew myth-busts.

7. New economic liberal group in the Lib Dems: A storm brewing for the party? by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
On managing party groups with differing economic views.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. One of those moments that makes this Coalition worth the hassle by Mark Valladares on The View from Creeting St Peter.
Mark writes in praise of the Pupil Premium (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

9. Together we can tackle hunger by Nick Clegg on DFID Bloggers.
“Nick Clegg guest blogs on the DFID site: “Right now, across the Horn of Africa, millions of people are in need of critical help. The rains have failed this year, and the resulting drought has plunged many of the world’s poorest into crisis and in Somalia, into famine.”" (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

10. A local Liberal hero who knew why Liberals still banded together to continue-extended and amended the struggle by Iain Brodie Browne on Birkdale Focus.
“A posting about David Bentliff a key player in the revival of the Liberal Party in Southport in the early 1950′s.” (Submitted by iainbb via LibDig.)

11. Rennie attacked for being pro equal marriage and accepting intern from evangelical organisation. by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Is the (Glasgow)Herald seriously suggesting we should discriminate against somebody on the basis of their religion? Really? Caron on the importance of religious tolerance to LibDems and the diversity of our values.” (Submitted by GHmltn via LibDig.)

12. Video and photo links: Here are the Morris Dancers who danced around David Cameron as he did his reshuffle on Friday by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
Charlbury Morris Dancers in subliminal messaging scoop.

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. A memo to Liberal England on the subject of Mr Farron by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Caron rates Farron: “…gobby, barnstorming, feel-good stuff, always delivered with a good kick up the backside.”

2. A letter to Labour by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
George will never forgive Labour.

3. The Co-op party’s big mistake by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
George argues in favour of the Co-op Party standing Lib Dem candidates.

4. Day 3934: Things Wot I Was Going to Write This Week by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant.
Millennium’s Conservative Conference Catchup.

5. Is the Coalition changing the Lib Dems? Polling data shows people more confused by the Lib Dems by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“We need to stop talking about left/right/centre and more about values,” says Matthew.

6. Lesson1: Never defend Chris Huhne unless you have all the facts by Angela Harbutt on Liberal Vision.
Angela replies to Paul Walter’s LDV post.

7. My letter in today’s Guardian: Liberal Democrat conference on Mark Pack’s blog.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. #whatLDsstandfor by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
“George Potter wants to start a trend where we all say why we’re a liberal democrat and what our three favourite coalition achievements are.” (Submitted by Caron via LibDig.)

9. Taking a photo of your wee girl? That’s terrorism, sir! by Andrew Page on A Scottish Liberal.
“Professional photographer Andrew takes up the case of the father threatened with Anti-Terrorism Act while taking pictures of his own daughter enjoying an ice-cream while out shopping at Braehead Shopping Centre.” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

10. Southend-on-Sea schools to get £2,072,000 in Pupil Premium – Lib Dem Win! on the Rambles of Neil Monnery.
“A story to shout about!” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

11. Why is Chris Huhne hitting the nuclear button? on Hoping For More Than Slogans.
“Good summary of an interesting speech, with more analysis to boot.” (Submitted by niles via LibDig.)

12. Why don’t we set up system to cover PPCs who need to take leave? by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“Excellent piece by Caron on how we should treat PPCs” (Submitted by oneexwidow via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Breaking news: Labour Councillor joins Lib Dems in Sefton by Iain Brodie Browne on Birkdale Focus.
Welcome to the Liberal Democrats, Kris Brown (see 11, below).

2. Leaflets are not enough at the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors.
“Doorstep work is crucial.”

3. Labour candidate joins Lib Dems by Nigel Ashton on Meols Lib Dems.
More on Kris Brown.

4. If you’re a Labour moderate your party’s deserted you…so come and join the Lib Dems! by Mathew Hulbert on A Liberal Helping.
And while the iron’s hot…

5. We need to stop acting like children by George Potter on The Potter Blogger.
We need to differentiate differently, says George.

6. What you should know about tonight’s Conservative Party Broadcast by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“…no spots on any leopards have been changed in the making of this broadcast.”

7. That Chris Huhne #tweetfail in full, glorious technicolour by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
The internet never forgets…

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Bashing the Daily Mail will kill off the Lib Dems: We need a smarter strategy on difficult papers by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“The majority of Lib Dem voters read a right wing paper, so perhaps we should be looking at winning over more voters, not turning them away. So how do we do this?” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

9. Cat on a HRA Tin Roof? by Stephen Glenn on Stephen’s Liberal Journal.
“A few facts about facts, immigration cases, failing of British officials to follow their own rules and a Home Secretary that seems to take the Daily Mail as gospel.” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

10. Why 80mph speed limits will damage the economy by Jonah Oliver on Jonah Oliver’s Blog.
“A science and economic based look at the impact of the 80mph speed limit” (Submitted by Stephen Glenn via LibDig.)

11. Kristofor Brown: Statement on joining the Lib Dems on Kris Brown’s blog.
“A Labour member of 10 years explains his reasons for joining the Liberal Democrats” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

12. It’s ok to cut fire-fighters if there are no fires to fight… by Ewan Hoyle on Scots Gazette. (Submitted by Gavin Hamilton via email.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

Featured? Add this to your blog post!

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Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. Rory Weal isn’t as close to the bread line as he (and Labour) made him out to be… by Neil Monnery on The Rambles of Neil Monnery.
More on Labour’s 16-year-old conference speaker.

2. Time for Tim Farron to make an unpopular speech by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England.
Tim Farron shouldn’t always tell people what they want to hear, says Jonathan.

3. Day 3923: Hard Labour – The Weal Truth by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant.
Millennium finds it all a bit rich.

4. Harman damages any future Lib-Lab coalitions by Chris Sams on The thoughts of a Ginger Liberal from Medway.
Chris takes apart Harriet’s speech.

5. Clegg’s Conference Call by Maelo Manning on libdemchild, aged 11.
Maelo reviews Nick’s conference speech.

6. Is Rory Weal really just the son of Baron Hardup? by Stephen Glenn on Stephen’s Liberal Journal.
“Never be afraid of who you are and don’t try and hide it,” says Stephen.

7. The Hyatt Regency Birmingham – Or the Tony Blair Hotel? by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
Hotel Inspector Wilcock reviews the Conference ’11 hotel.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Ashcroft’s Opinion Polls on the Lib Dems: What everyone missed by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“You know what the Lib Dems aren’t doing nearly as badly in the polls if you delve deeper into them…” (Submitted by neilmonnery via LibDig.)

9. Would Tim Farron make a good Lib Dem leader? What we should look for in a leader by Matthew Gibson on Solution Focused Politics.
“Questions surrounding whether Tim Farron is positioning himself to become the next Lib Dem leader are everywhere at the moment. But the fact that people are thinking about the person to come after Clegg raises some interesting questions around what we should be looking for in a leader.” (Submitted by MatthewJ via LibDig.)

10. Ed Milliband’s little big idea by Joe Otten on The Extra Bold Blog.
“a mountain of regulation motivated by good intentions is the best and worst we can expect.”

11. Day 3922: That Milipede Moment by Richard Flowers on The Very Fluffy Diary of Millennium Dome, Elephant.
“Millennium Dome, Elephant is massively on form this week not just with his Doctor Who reviews but a dead-on-target evisceration of Ed Miliband’s big speech. Peer Gynt for ideas, Mr Miliband can only aspire to be the Prime Minister’s mini-me: David Cameron “is wrong to talk about Broken Britain, because I say to you Britain is broken!”” (Submitted by Alex Wilcock via email.)

12. The return of the poster boy for Lib Dem misery by Andy Strange on Strange Thoughts.
“I think my prediction that “when anyone at the BBC wants some stock footage of a Lib Dem looking miserable it will be that picture of me looking at my phone” may becoming far too true.”

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

Featured? Add this to your blog post!

<a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/top-of-the-blogs-the-lib-dem-golden-dozen-24-25506.html"><img src="http://www.libdemvoice.org/images/golden-dozen.png" width="200" height="57" alt="Featured on Liberal Democrat Voice" title="Featured on Liberal Democrat Voice" /></a>

Don’t forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging.

As ever, let’s start with the most popular post, and work our way down:

1. I’ve been a fool LibDem Voice and I’m sorry by Lisa Harding on Welcome to Spiderplant Land.
So, so sorry for your loss, Lisa.

2. My complaint to the BBC about Miriam Gonzalez Durantez by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
Gosh, is it really still the 1950s?

3. Who could be the next leader of the Liberal Democrats? by Richard Clare on A Brief History of Liberty.
Rich studies the form (then puts it away until 2015).

4. The speech of a tired man by Tom King on The World Forgetting, by the World Forgot.
Was I at a different speech?

5. The tragic case of Margaret Moran by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
On the trial of the former MP.

6. Latest Ipsos-Mori Poll does not make good reading for the Lib Dems by Neil Monnery on The Rambles of Neil Monnery.
…but Neil is optimistic.

7. Charles Kennedy by Iain Brodie Browne on Birkdale Focus.
Charles Kennedy reviews the political year of Nick Clegg.

And now to the five blog-posts that come highly recommended, regardless of the number of Aggregator click-throughs they attracted. These are normally chosen using the LibDig bookmarking website for party members, the site where you can highlight blog-posts you want to share with your fellow Lib Dems. Remember, though, you’re still more than welcome to nominate for the Golden Dozen a Lib Dem blog article published in the past seven days – your own, or someone else’s – using the steam-powered method of e-mail … all you have to do is drop a line to .

8. Seek, locate, triangulate: The hypocrisy of Ed Miliband by Sara Bedford on Always win when you’re singing.
“In a too rare post, Sara takes a coach & horses through Ed Miliband’s tuition fees policy.” (Submitted by caron via LibDig.)

9. Civil Rights at Lib Dem Conference #ldconf by Kelly-Marie Blundell on Political Parry.
“Reporting on fearmongering around #ldconf.” (Submitted by lizw via LibDig.)

10. A New Purpose for Politics? Is It Bollocks (#LibDemValues 2.1) by Alex Wilcock on Love and Liberty.
“Alex reduces the National Institute of, or possible for, Wellbeing to rubble: “It sounds like we’re becoming the political wing of Waitrose.”" (Submitted by Alix via LibDig.)

11. University funding: LibDems are trying to benefit lower earning households. Labour are trying to benefit the upper middle earning households by Paul Walter on Liberal Burblings.
“Paul Walter compares Labour and Lib Dem priorities” (Submitted by markpack via LibDig.)

12. People should not go to jail for unfurling a banner! by Caron Lindsay on Caron’s Musings.
“I’m proud to be in a party where people complain that people who disagree with us aren’t being allowed to have their say.” (Submitted by GeorgeWPotter via LibDig.)

And that’s it for another week. Happy blogging ‘n’ reading ‘n’ nominating.

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