Being part of a team of colleagues with a common aim is one of the things that makes politics so satisfying, with an emotional attachment and shared experience that is invigorating in an era where the freedom of individuality is often seen as trumping the benefits of community. As a liberal, I tend to want both, and having been a member of the Liberal Democrat Voice collective for the past year or so, I have been lucky enough to enjoy them in addition to the emotional bonds of marriage and family.

And, therefore, it is with much regret that I find myself having to stand down from the Editorial Team. Sadly, my other commitments have expanded to a point where I can no longer perform my role as day editor reliably or consistently, and given the effort involved in doing the job well, I tendered my resignation to the rest of the team a few weeks ago – some of you may have noticed the absence of my occasionally idiosyncratic editorial pieces recently.

And so, with the indulgence of my now former colleagues, here are some reflections…

I’ve learned quite a lot about the use of social media and the art of journalism in the past year – the risks, the rewards, the trope of a news cycle – and not always enjoyed what I’ve seen. I’ve been saddened by the inability of some to see what the impact of their attitude towards others can be, yet struck by the experiences of others as expressed in articles and comments as a window into worlds I had been mostly unaware of. As a middle-class, middle-aged country dweller, it is easy to settle into a state of disengaged tranquillity, and Liberal Democrat Voice acts as a reminder to all of us that, for the most part, we are quite fortunate.

I have also been impressed by the enthusiasm, hard work and occasional sheer bloody-mindedness of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. As volunteers, with lives, professional careers, families and what have you, they still find the time to manage the site, deal with moderation issues, commission articles and write new material, for surprisingly little in the way of gratitude. Rather, there are some who seem to think that the Collective are there to serve them – fortunately, very few, I should add. And in a world where spin is king, the notion that a small group of people labour to provide a platform for anyone (within reason) to communicate ideas and information, to debate policy ideas or campaigning strategy, without self-promotion or tangible reward is something that we, as liberals, should occasionally celebrate.

With the demise of Liberal Democrat News, the role of Liberal Democrat Voice is more important than ever, providing as it does a platform, a means for our elected (and unelected, lest I forget our Parliamentary Party in the Lords) representatives to communicate directly with members in a more immediate way than Ad Lib could ever offer. And whilst individuals are willing to manage it, contributors are willing to offer their thoughts and opinions, and readers find it relevant, long may it entertain, inform and infuriate.

And so, I say au revoir, dear readers. Not goodbye, as I fully intend to write for Liberal Democrat Voice from time to time, as the mood strikes and the team are willing to publish (they do have standards, you know!). But in the meantime, thank you for your kindness, your patience, and your time.