Author Archives: Elizabeth Adams

Why Liberals should be concerned about the closure of Fabric

By Elizabeth Adams | Thu 8th September 2016 - 11:14 am

The number one priority of the Liberal Democrats is currently trying to do all we can to keep the UK in the European Union. However, if there is one other campaign that Liberal Democrats across the UK should be rallying behind, it is the fight to try and keep the iconic London club Fabric from closing.

But why? Why is this of vital importance to all liberals across the nation?

The possible ‘targeting’ of Fabric and the disgusting treatment that the club’s owners have received by the authorities is something that every Liberal should be very worried about.

Posted in Op-eds | 44 Comments

How West Midlands pastoral care initiative hopes to change the party’s culture

By Elizabeth Adams | Wed 2nd March 2016 - 12:23 pm

Diversity is in the spotlight ahead of Spring Conference in York and there are many discussions taking place around the best way to get progress in the party. Much of the focus is on the party’s representative bodies and selection processes. However, we need to remember the culture changes and improvement still needed at grassroots level.

With the passion that our members and supporters show for campaigning and democracy, it is easy, at an organisational level, to forget a crucial fact. Our party must also be passionate about people. About recruiting them, investing in them and taking care of their wellbeing.

Just a few years ago the party was headed for calamity with regard to recruitment. This was turned around by reforming how membership recruitment should be fundamental to campaigning. Those who led the charge to change attitudes and implement structural incentives, should be congratulated. We can all see the difference and the morale boost that this has given to everyone.

Now it is time to do the same with the latter two actions.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged pastoral care and west midlands | 3 Comments

Opinion: We mustn’t be afraid to attack the opposition when they deserve it

By Elizabeth Adams | Fri 22nd May 2015 - 12:55 pm

Many things are being written about the election we have just been through. I for one think this is great; everyone is engaged and wanting to examine what went wrong, how we can learn, what can we do next time. The key is that we’re all committed to rebuilding and giving it all we have again next time. This is really encouraging, so I wanted to add my own little insight and raise a few more questions for our campaign teams, local and national, to address.

My issue concerns the ever-dreaded ‘negative’ campaigning. It’s something we as Liberal Democrats really struggle with, especially at a local level. One of the biggest frustrations for me in all my campaigning roles I’ve held so far, is that the superb team of local councillors and candidates I’ve always worked with are entirely uncomfortable with praising themselves but even more so with blaming the opposition for things that they absolutely should be blamed for.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged campaigning and messaging | 12 Comments

Opinion: Remember, remember the 25th of November

By Elizabeth Adams | Mon 25th November 2013 - 11:26 am

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and is also White Ribbon Day.

It has been just over 2 months since we passed my motion at conference that called for further and stronger measures to tackle domestic violence. This set out our commitment to standing up for victims and making tackling domestic abuse a priority for Liberal Democrats for beyond 2015.

Today is a day to recognise the huge fight we still have ahead of us in stamping out, what is an abuse of human rights. Many local organisations will be carrying out days of activism and …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged domestic violence | Leave a comment