Author Archives: Maria Linforth-Hall

Maria Linforth-Hall

Before we talk about coalition, we must ask: What are the Liberal Democrats for?

By Maria Linforth-Hall | Tue 20th October 2026 - 10:24 am

Today, a Liberal Democrat friend suggested that perhaps the best way forward for our party would be to enter into a coalition with Labour.

It was an interesting proposition. Could the two parties work together? What might they achieve? What compromises would be necessary? And what would happen to our political identity?

But as I explored these possibilities, I realised that a much more fundamental question had emerged.

Before we decide whom we might govern with, shouldn’t we first be absolutely clear about what we want to govern for?

This is not an argument against coalition government. It is an invitation to examine the identity, purpose and future direction of the Liberal Democrats.

We have policies on healthcare, social care, education, housing, taxation, climate change, Europe and constitutional reform. Many reflect longstanding liberal principles. But having individual policies is not necessarily the same as communicating a coherent political vision.

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged and | 7 Comments
Maria Linforth-Hall

Pensions and social care: Ed Davey must offer more than reassurance

By Maria Linforth-Hall | Thu 15th October 2026 - 2:06 pm

I am a pensioner and a Liberal Democrat. I believe in freedom, fairness and the responsibility we share to ensure that everyone can live with dignity. Those convictions are why I want our party to speak more clearly about pensions and social care.

My concern is not with Ed Davey’s commitment or compassion. It is with whether our leadership is giving people enough substance to understand the choices ahead.

As someone who served as a Southwark councillor for twelve years, including working on health and social care scrutiny, I know how closely these issues are connected. A pension provides an income. Social care helps someone wash, dress, eat safely and remain in their own home. For many older people, both are essential to independence.

Yet the political debate too often treats them separately. We hear assurances about protecting pensioners, while families struggle to arrange care, meet its costs or provide it themselves.

I want Ed Davey to explain how these commitments fit together. What should pensioners expect beyond 2030? What would a properly funded social care system provide? How would we pay for it, and how would we protect people on low incomes?

These are questions a party seeking to govern should be prepared to answer.

I am worried about my own pension, but I am also worried about the condition of social care. I do not want a debate that assumes older people care only about the amount entering their bank accounts. We also care about what happens when we become frail, when a partner needs support, or when our children must reduce their working hours to look after us.

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged | 11 Comments
Maria Linforth-Hall

Pensions, care and the liberal vision we need

By Maria Linforth-Hall | Tue 6th October 2026 - 11:00 am

I am a Liberal Democrat because I believe in freedom, fairness, compassion and giving people the power to shape their lives. Those values remain deeply important to me.

Yet, after our recent conference in Brighton, I wanted to hear a clearer, more ambitious account of how we would put those values into practice. Tax cuts have their place, but people also need decent housing, reliable public services and security when illness or old age makes them vulnerable.

Andy Burnham’s speech raised questions that deserve serious consideration. Welcoming a worthwhile proposal from another party does not weaken our liberal principles. We should assess it honestly, support what is good and challenge what remains inadequate.

As a pensioner, I am concerned about the proposed changes to pension increases from 2030. Many older people already struggle to meet everyday costs. Protecting those on the lowest incomes must be an essential part of any reform.

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Posted in News | 2 Comments
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