Author Archives: The Voice

The Voice

Another Conservative defection to the Lib Dems – this time in John Major’s old backyard of Huntingdonshire

By The Voice | Sat 1st February 2014 - 1:00 pm

We reported last week the news that two Conservative Councillors have joined the Liberal Democrats in Winchester.

This week a former Conservative cabinet member at Huntingdonshire District Council, Colin Hyams, has announced he’s walked out on his party to join the Liberal Democrats:

Cllr Hyams said he decided to join the Liberal Democrats because he was impressed by the way they worked for Godmanchester. He said he did not plan to leave the Conservative group on the town council formally, but this would depend on the response from the party.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Mike Baker said: “I respect

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 6 Comments
The Voice

Liberal Democrat Jobwatch – 29 January 2014

By The Voice | Wed 29th January 2014 - 1:01 pm

If you fancy working for the Liberal Democrats, there’s a good variety of jobs on offer at the moment whether you’re a campaigner, researcher or administrator. Here’s a selection, taken from Work 4 an MP.

LDHQ based jobs

First up is a Presidential Intern for Tim Farron’s office. Don’t be fooled by the term intern because it pays quite reasonably, but is only until the end of July 2014. You’ll have to get in quick, though, because the closing date is next Monday.

Liberal Democrat Women are looking for a part-time administrator:

This position will be to support the LDW Executive, including helping

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged | Leave a comment
The Voice

Nick Clegg confirms that UK will give refuge to most vulnerable Syrians

By The Voice | Tue 28th January 2014 - 10:00 pm

Nick Clegg has announced that the UK will give refuge to some of the most vulnerable citizens. No figure has been put on how many as they are focusing on need, not quotas,  but it will mean that many woman and girls who face the risk of sexual violence, for example, will be able to come to this country. The Government will work with the UN High Council for Refugees to determine who is in most urgent need and they will be brought here over the next few months. They will include those most traumatised by the crisis.

The UK Government …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 8 Comments
The Voice

And the new Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader is…

By The Voice | Tue 28th January 2014 - 7:19 pm

…..Drum roll…..

 

Malcolm Bruce 30th anniversary dinner

Sir Malcolm Bruce MP.

Reaction will be added as we get it.

Update 19:53. It’s definitely a surprising result given that Lorely Burt had said when she announced her candidacy that she had 24 MPs backing her. She only needed five more to have a majority. Why could she have lost a seemingly unassailable position?

Well, Sir Malcolm Bruce is very well liked and respected. Remember what Vince Cable was like as Deputy Leader? Malcolm will not be dissimilar. He won’t always be as on message as Lorely, either. …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 44 Comments
The Voice

Statement by Maajid Nawaz and Mohammed Shafiq

By The Voice | Tue 28th January 2014 - 12:10 pm

Maajid Nawaz, the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn and Mohammed Shafiq, member of the Liberal Democrats, have released a joint statement:

“We wish to make a statement about the recent concern expressed over issues related to conflicting views on depictions of Prophet Muhammad.

“We recognise that, when it comes to this question, some Muslims of various persuasions may take different views. However, we also recognise that there are many Muslims who have taken offence, and we assert that images of the spiritual leaders of all religions should be deemed to be respectful. We also respect the freedom …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | 49 Comments
The Voice

A longer read: Vince Cable on ‘Recovery and Beyond’

By The Voice | Tue 28th January 2014 - 10:20 am

‘UK economy growing at fastest rate since 2007’ is the BBC headline this morning, following the release of the latest GDP figures showing 0.7% growth in the fourth quarter of 2013, bringing the annual growth rate to 1.9%.

Last night, Lib Dem business secretary Vince Cable delivered a major speech to the Royal Economic Society assessing the current state of the economy – and in particular how the current growth figures can be sustained in the long-term. There will be lots of glib sound-bites today from politicians and pundits trying to make the facts fit their outlook. As ever, …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged and | 7 Comments
The Voice

Portsmouth Lib Dems seek new candidate while MP Mike Hancock suspended by party

By The Voice | Tue 28th January 2014 - 8:35 am

We reported last Friday the news that Mike Hancock, the MP for Portsmouth South who resigned the Lib Dem whip last year to contest allegations of sexual assault against him, had won the backing of Portsmouth Lib Dems.

However, the local party has since confirmed it will be pushing ahead with selecting a candidate for the 2015 election. With Mike Hancock currently suspended by the national party, he will be unable to put himself forward for re-selection. In short, he has been de-selected as a Lib Dem MP (unless his suspension is lifted).

Local party chair Simon Dodds …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 3 Comments
The Voice

What’s being debated in our members’ forum this week?

By The Voice | Mon 27th January 2014 - 1:55 pm

LibDemVoice has two parallel sites. The first is our public blog, the thing you’re reading now. The second is our private members’ forum, which only current Lib Dem members can access.

If you’re a member and want to chat with fellow party members about any issue that’s on your mind, then why not sign up? In addition, you’ll be included in our regular surveys’ of party members’ views.

Here’s some of the most active discussions this past 10 days:

TOPIC

Cowdenbeath by election

Mohammed Shafiq on Maajid Nawaz

Victory for Hemming over Family Court secrecy

Inside Harriet Harman’s Head

Another …

Continue reading »
Posted in Site news | Leave a comment
The Voice

Lib Dems select local Councillor Mary Di Mauro to stand in Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election

By The Voice | Mon 27th January 2014 - 11:08 am

Local Liberal Democrats have tonight (Sunday January 26th) selected Northenden Councillor Mary Di Mauro to be the Liberal Democrat Candidate in the by-election following the death of Labour MP Paul Goggins.

Mary was a secondary school teacher for ten years. She lives in Northenden village with her husband and two children. Mary has represented Northenden ward on Manchester City Council since 2010.

Mary Di Mauro said: “I am very proud to have been selected to fight Wythenshawe and Sale East for the Liberal Democrats in the by-election. I have lived locally for 20 years and have always stood up for …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | 10 Comments
The Voice

Former MSP John Farquhar Munro dies at 79

By The Voice | Sun 26th January 2014 - 8:17 pm

John Farquhar MunroJohn Farquhar Munro, who represented Ross, Skye and Inverness West in the Scottish Parliament from its creation in 1999 until he stood down in 2011 has died at his home at the age of 79.

He was never shy about speaking his mind and voting against the rest of the Liberal Democrat group when he felt it necessary.

Scottish Leader Willie Rennie, who knew him well from the early days of when he was our Chief of Staff in the Parliament paid a warm tribute to him:

John F was a canny, crafty Highlander who calmly asserted his place in the political world. His roots in crofting and the west Highlands gave the strength and depth to endure the trials of politics.

Delivering the right status for Gaelic, protecting crofting and abolishing the Skye bridge tolls are just a few of his many achievements in public life.

His character and personality attracted friends from across politics.

Our thoughts are with his wife Celia, who was a tower of strength in all he did, and all his friends and family.

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 5 Comments
The Voice

LDV’s Sunday Best: our 7 most-read articles this week

By The Voice | Sun 26th January 2014 - 1:15 pm

Many thanks to the 21,900 visitors who dropped by Lib Dem Voice this week. Here’s our 7 most-read posts…

We should support Lib Dem candidate Maajid Nawaz in the face of death threats (134 comments) by Stephen Tall

Internal investigation in to Lord (Chris) Rennard: new statement issued by Alistair Webster QC (37 comments) by The Voice

Opinion: What does bringing the party into disrepute mean? (110 comments) by David Howarth

Tim Farron’s email to Lib Dem members explaining the suspension of Lord Rennard (62 comments) by The Voice

Suspension of Lord Rennard (29 comments) by The Voice

QC’s report into …

Continue reading »
Posted in Best of the blogs and Site news | Leave a comment
The Voice

Jane Merrick: “How we can all stop worrying and learn to love the Lib Dems..”

By The Voice | Sun 26th January 2014 - 11:28 am

We haven’t seen many nice things written about Liberal Democrats in the last couple of weeks. However, in today’s Independent, Jane Merrick outlines reasons that we can be cheerful.

First she describes what a Liberal Democrat MP overheard on a train from two people talking about the party:

The MP (who was relieved to be unrecognised by his fellow commuters) listened as these two seasoned observers took apart the Lib Dems. One of the men said: “They’re always in trouble, aren’t they?” “Yeah, there was that bloke with the dog,” the other chipped in. “Who was that one who, you know

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 46 Comments
The Voice

Lib Dem peer Lord Shipley to work with Heseltine on Local Growth Deals

By The Voice | Sat 25th January 2014 - 12:05 pm

Lib Dem peer Lord (John) Shipley, the former Leader of Newcastle City Council, is to join forces with Lord (Michael) Heseltine in supporting negotiations for Local Growth Deals with Local Enterprise Partnerships. The announcement was made by Nick Clegg – here’s the press release with further detail:

The government has committed to negotiating deals with all 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in England, devolving power and accountability to local areas to drive economic growth, and providing opportunities for local business and civic leaders to set out their priorities for growth in their areas.

Under the deals, LEPs will be integral in

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 1 Comment
The Voice

Syria: Clegg continues to push for UK to take refugee responsibilities seriously

By The Voice | Sat 25th January 2014 - 10:43 am

Syria has once again returned to the headlines this week, with the warring parties in the country’s civil war beginning formal peace talks in Geneva amid allegations that the Assad regime has systematically tortured and executed about 11,000 detainees since the start of the uprising.

Nick Clegg has, The Guardian reported, been making the case for the UK to take its international responsibilities seriously and join a UN scheme to take a limited number of refugees from Syria:

A source close to the deputy PM said: “Nick Clegg has been arguing for weeks in government that Britain should consider

…

Continue reading »
Posted in Europe / International and News | Tagged and | 5 Comments
The Voice

Mike Hancock: Portsmouth Lib Dems issue statement

By The Voice | Fri 24th January 2014 - 11:32 pm

We reported on Wednesday that the Lib Dems had suspended Mike Hancock’s party membership following the leaking of a report commissioned by Portsmouth City Council into allegations of sexual assault against the MP who is a also a councillor.

Tonight Portsmouth Liberal Democrats have issued this statement:

We have today been made aware that Liberal Democrat HQ has received a complaint about Mike Hancock and has, pending investigation of that report, suspended Mike Hancock’s membership of the party.

There is an ongoing civil court case on the issues raised in the complaints to Portsmouth City Council and to the Lib

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 16 Comments
The Voice

LibLink: Giles Goodall – The EU has made strides towards LGBT equality but discrimination and isolation remain common

By The Voice | Thu 23rd January 2014 - 9:56 am

Over on Pink News, Giles Goodall, Lib Dem European Parliamentary candidate for South East England, argues that the EU has played a key role in strengthening LGBT rights, and can continue to have a positive impact on the challenges that remain.

Here’s an excerpt:

On LGBT rights, voters face an important choice in May Equality is a European value, and over the years the EU has become a strong advocate for LGBT rights. We have the EU to thank for Europe-wide laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace and providing special protection for victims of homophobic and transphobic crime. EU pressure has changed the lives of millions of LGBT people for the better in its newer member states in central and eastern Europe, where homosexuality was still a criminal offence as recently as the 1990s.

Of course that doesn’t mean that all is rosy for LGBT communities in Europe. An EU survey last year found that fear, isolation and discrimination are still all too common. Two out of three LGBT people reported hiding their sexuality when they were at school (68% in the UK), while 60% were bullied or called names. 26% of people said they had been attacked or threatened with violence in the past five years. In the UK, the figure was even higher, at 31%.

Continue reading »
Posted in LibLink | Tagged and | 1 Comment
The Voice

QC’s report into allegations against Mike Hancock MP made public

By The Voice | Wed 22nd January 2014 - 5:04 pm

We’ve reported before on the allegations of sexual assault against Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock – Mike temporarily stood down from the Lib Dem whip last June and denies any wrong-doing. He has continued to serve as a Lib Dem councillor in Portsmouth and is the city’s cabinet member for planning, regeneration and economic redevelopment.

Last night, Lib Dem-run Portsmouth City Council voted not to publish the report – we understand on the advice of the Council’s solicitor – commissioned by the Council to investigate whether Mike Hancock had breached its code of conduct. In November, the Council’s standards …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged | 24 Comments
The Voice

Two Conservative Councillors join the Liberal Democrats in Winchester

By The Voice | Wed 22nd January 2014 - 12:54 pm

Good news from Winchester Liberal Democrats:

Councillors Jamie Scott and Derek Green, both representing St Luke ward on Winchester City Council, resigned from the Conservatives after deciding they could do a better job for their residents as part of the strong local Liberal Democrat team.

Winchester’s prospective Liberal Democrat MP, Jackie Porter said “Jamie and Derek are fantastic additions to the Liberal Democrat team. They both live in the heart of their community. Like me, they want to improve the lives of local people by supporting local jobs and giving everyone a fair chance in life.”

This means that the Conservatives have …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 4 Comments
The Voice

One further member of the Liberal Democrat Voice Roll of Honour

By The Voice | Tue 21st January 2014 - 3:35 pm

Earlier this month Lib Dem Voice ran a series of posts under the heading ‘Liberal Democrat Voice Roll of Honour 2013’ (parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

One submission reached us too late to be included, but given that we all need to be cheered up today, we decided to share it with you.

Harold Woodman

For delivering in the Wells constituency come rain or shine. He delivers many thousands of leaflets / publications each year.

One special task that he undertakes is that …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged and | 6 Comments
The Voice

Tim Farron’s email to Lib Dem members explaining the suspension of Lord Rennard

By The Voice | Mon 20th January 2014 - 4:35 pm

The following message from Lib Dem party president Tim Farron has just been emailed to members:

It has been a difficult few days for the party. Many of you have contacted me directly to express your anger and disappointment at Lord Rennard’s refusal to apologise following the recommendations of the investigation into his behaviour. As President, I wanted you to hear from me.

Along with Nick Clegg, I made my view absolutely clear – Lord Rennard’s refusal to apologise is unacceptable. Most importantly, Lord Rennard is actively rejecting calls to apologise from party members and is refusing to comply with a formal

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged and | 66 Comments
The Voice

Statement by Lord Rennard on his suspension by the party

By The Voice | Mon 20th January 2014 - 3:11 pm

Lord Rennard has issued the following statement in response to the news that he has been suspended from the party:

It is impossible to describe how enormously distressed I am by this situation and I am certainly too ill to attend the House of Lords today.

In the interests of my party and all concerned, I will now release a statement that I have prepared:

In 2009, I was the subject of a smear campaign in relation to House of Lords allowances. The timing of this campaign was clearly chosen as it was in the middle of major election campaigns, for

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged | Comments Off on Statement by Lord Rennard on his suspension by the party
The Voice

Suspension of Lord Rennard

By The Voice | Mon 20th January 2014 - 2:29 pm

The Liberal Democrats have just issued this statement:

Nick Clegg made clear last week, and again this morning, that it would be inappropriate for Lord Rennard to resume the Liberal Democrat whip unless he apologises. Lord Rennard has refused to do so.

The Regional Parties Committee, which oversees disciplinary procedures under the English Party membership rules, today decided to suspend Lord Rennard’s membership of the party pending a disciplinary procedure. As such, he cannot return to the Liberal Democrat group in the House of Lords.

Lord Rennard will now be investigated for bringing the party into disrepute on the grounds of his failure

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News and Party policy and internal matters | Tagged , , and | 30 Comments
The Voice

The Rennard case: what Caron Lindsay and Stephen Tall have said about it

By The Voice | Mon 20th January 2014 - 2:23 pm

Lib Dem Voice’s co-editors, Stephen Tall and Caron Lindsay, have both written on their own blogs about the fall-out from the independent investigation into the allegations against Lord (Chris) Rennard.

Stephen wrote on Friday summarising the background to the mess the party finds itself in here: Q&A on the allegations against Lord Rennard. (My conclusion: it’s a mess.)

And on Sunday Caron posed the question, How is the party going to get through this?

There is an obvious path to peace.

It’s not too late for Chris Rennard to apologise, and to do it well. I really think that he should

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 3 Comments
The Voice

Clegg: “Basic decency” that Rennard should apologise for distress caused

By The Voice | Mon 20th January 2014 - 9:00 am

Nick Clegg has been doing a round of media interviews this morning – the original purpose was to unveil the Coalition’s mental health strategy, but they’ve been overshadowed by the continuing row over the allegations of sexual impropriety against Lord (Chris) Rennard.

Lord Rennard has decided not to issue an apology to the women who have made complaints against him for any distress caused as recommended by Alistair Webster’s independent report. The QC issued a further statement on Sunday explaining he thought it would be no more than “common manners” for an apology to be offered.

Here’s what …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 23 Comments
The Voice

Internal investigation into Lord (Chris) Rennard: new statement issued by Alistair Webster QC

By The Voice | Sun 19th January 2014 - 10:30 am

On Wednesday, Alistair Webster, the QC appointed by the party to examine the evidence in the disciplinary case being considered against Lord (Chris) Rennard, released this statement explaining his investigation.

A further statement has just been released today:

“In view of the extensive comment which has followed my statement, and in view of some of the statements made by those directly concerned, I wish to make the following quite clear:

“1. My report to the RPC has not been provided to any other party for one reason only: the Committee had unequivocal advice from independent solicitors that to publish it without

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News and Party policy and internal matters | Tagged and | 37 Comments
The Voice

New Statement from Liberal Democrat Women

By The Voice | Sat 18th January 2014 - 9:20 pm

LDW believe the entire process from the word go has been mishandled. As a result we have been left with an unsatisfactory position which has not been fair to anyone involved.

We, have been talking to Senior Members of the Party about how LDW can contribute to resolving this distressing situation. Our involvement has been welcomed and we have been working behind the scenes to help in anyway we can. We are speaking to the Leader’s Office to arrange a meeting with Nick Clegg as soon as possible.

LDW is aware that the women who made the allegations against Lord Rennard have …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged and | 26 Comments
The Voice

Nick Clegg: Inappropriate for Lord Rennard to rejoin Lib Dem Lords if he does not apologise

By The Voice | Fri 17th January 2014 - 7:45 pm

A statement released tonight by a Liberal Democrat spokesperson

Nick Clegg is of the view that as long as Lord Rennard refuses the very reasonable request from Alistair Webster QC to apologise that it is inappropriate for him to rejoin the Liberal Democrat group in the House of Lords. Nick has communicated this to the Chief Whip and Leader of the House of Lords group.

In addition, a growing number of party members have come forward to make representations to the party that Lord Rennard’s refusal to apologise in itself brings the party into disrepute.

The Lords Chief Whip and Leader of the

…

Continue reading »
Posted in News | 79 Comments
The Voice

Coalition minister calls for minimum wage increase (that’s Vince, 4 months ago, in case you were wondering)

By The Voice | Fri 17th January 2014 - 3:39 pm

Here’s the Lib Dems’ Vince Cable on 14 September 2013:

vince min wage - sept 2013

And here’s the Tories’ George Osborne – four months later – on 10 January 2014:

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Tagged , and | 3 Comments
The Voice

Statement from Liberal Democrat Women

By The Voice | Wed 15th January 2014 - 2:55 pm

Liberal Democrat Women is whole heartedly against sexual harassment and unwanted indecent or sexually inappropriate advances of any kind.  This includes within the workplace and throughout our Party at every level.

We believe strongly that positions of power should never be abused.

We need to trust that there was a thorough and impartial investigation. Whilst our Party has made mistakes in the past we need to look to the future and ensure that the culture in the Party continues to change following the suite of measures implemented following the Morrissey Review and those measures are remain under constant review.

We expect an apology from Lord …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Comments Off on Statement from Liberal Democrat Women
The Voice

Statement by Lord Rennard

By The Voice | Wed 15th January 2014 - 1:54 pm

I am pleased that this brings to an end all investigations concerning allegations made against me on Channel 4 News last February.

The Metropolitan Police also investigated the allegations thoroughly and over several months and found that there was no case to proceed.

My wife Ann and I are very grateful to our families and many friends both inside and outside the Liberal Democrats who have shown unwavering support throughout.

We are particularly grateful to Alex Carlile QC, who helped us to ensure that justice was eventually done, and to Richard Cannon of Janes Solicitors who guided us through the police processes.I now …

Continue reading »
Posted in News | Comments Off on Statement by Lord Rennard
Advert

Recent Comments

  • expats
    Regarding the Tory Aberdeen win.. Badenoch spent most of her time promising to create umpteen well paid jobs in the Gas/oil industry ... An absolute winner of ...
  • Ben Cadge
    I feel like parts of this article - perhaps most notably the hypothesis that we are costing ourselves vote share elsewhere trying to hold on to soft Tories (of ...
  • Paul Turnbull
    Those arguing our state pension 'is the lowest in Europe' completely misunderstand the nature of these pension systems. Those state pensions are designed to be ...
  • Matt (Bristol)
    To be clearer about what I mean: some former Tory voters are not 'lending' Lib Dems their votes, the old Tory coalition has broken up, and voters who are pro-so...
  • Ynys Mon Man
    We could have beaten the SNP, or at least given them a fright, in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. A repeat of what was achieved in Dunfermline, 2006. Lots of soft ...