Author Archives: Neil Lewis

What makes the Lib Dems special?

By Neil Lewis | Tue 12th September 2017 - 12:45 pm

As we head to conference, many of us will be asking how is it that we had such a great manifesto and yet, despite a welcome increase in MPs, a very low share of the total vote?

As a 2015 newbie and after two campaigns, may I offer something for our debate:

Both Labour and the Conservatives are now committed to divisive politics – defined by who they are against, rather than what they are for; seeking to right old grievances as opposed to building a shared future.

As Liberal Democrats we stand for openness, tolerance and, crucially, unity.

Corbyn’s rallying call is to …

Posted in Op-eds | 12 Comments

Five General Election lessons from a newbie

By Neil Lewis | Mon 3rd July 2017 - 9:08 am

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I joined the Lib Dems in 2015, stood for Chester Police and Crime Commissioner in 2016 and for Bromsgrove in the 2017 General Election. Both were tough but fabulous experiences and I was hugely grateful for the opportunity to stand for our shared Liberal Democrat values and for the great local support I received.

So what lessons did a newbie learn in this General Election?

All is not lost!

Yes, our vote share was disappointing – but from my conversations on the street, and also as the latest evidence, we were squeezed – dreadfully! So, we know the votes are there… for next time.

I campaigned in a strong Conservative seat and met people who shared our values but felt a Lib Dem vote would make no difference. Here’s what seemed to persuade them;

“… every Lib Dem vote counts because the BBC and media allocate TV and Radio time based on the number of votes we get – so, if you want to hear less of Nigel Farage and more of Tim Farron, you must vote Lib Dem…”