At this critical juncture, liberal democracy is facing a profound global crisis. Populists, masquerading as the voice of ‘the people’, are gaining traction, while liberals are often perceived as mere mouthpieces for institutions. However, as Charles Kennedy eloquently articulated two decades ago, liberalism is not elitist; it is the most valid form of democracy, deeply rooted in compassion, honesty, and trust in ordinary people.

It’s time to reclaim populism for liberal democracy, wresting it from the grip of extreme factions. This could be a pivotal strategy in our efforts to revitalise liberal democracy, and it’s a task that cannot be delayed.

Charles Kennedy’s political rhetoric points us in the right direction. It was accessible, human, and moral rather than managerial. His opposition to the Iraq War wasn’t just a matter of policy, but also a display of courage against the establishment consensus. He believed that politics should speak to ordinary people first, and then to Westminster. Kennedy knew that the people are always wiser than the government thinks, and wanted the Liberal Democrats to acknowledge that. He argued that our party should offer democratic empowerment without resorting to demagoguery, reducing the role of central government control over public services and handing it to the people who understand the needs of their communities much better than Whitehall.

We can, and must, build upon the foundation Charles Kennedy laid for us. We must pursue a politics that puts power, dignity, and voice back in the hands of citizens, while protecting every individual’s freedom under the law. This includes instituting citizens’ assemblies to run alongside devolved governments, introducing participatory budgeting for local communities, which empowers local people to have a say in how their money is spent, and implementing anti-corruption laws, closing tax loopholes, and championing transparent governance in both public and private bodies.

As Labour adopts a more managerial approach and the populist right hijacks the language of ‘the people’, we must position ourselves as the party that listens first and governs with compassion. Our tradition equips us with the necessary tools: community politics, local campaigning, and grassroots democracy. However, these tools must be updated and modernised for the digital age, to keep pace with the changing political landscape. By embracing egalitarian populism, we can redefine our party’s identity in contrast to both technocrats and demagogues.

Charles Kennedy reminded us that politics must be rooted in people’s real lives. To rebuild trust in democracy, liberals must speak with the same moral clarity he did; not just against injustice, but for belonging, fairness, and freedom.

If populism is truly about “giving people back a voice”, then a truly liberal populism must ensure every voice is heard and every right is protected. That is what Kennedyism is, and that is the way forward for liberal democracy.

* Jack Meredith is a member of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and an active campaigner and canvasser with Swansea and Gower Liberal Democrats. His writing focuses on democratic reform, social justice, trade unionism, economic democracy, and the institutional foundations of effective government. He has written for the Fabians, Lib Dem Voice, Liberator, Nation Cymru, Bylines Cymru, and Centre Think Tank.