BBC Parliament’s The Week at Westminster had a review of 2013, with Conservative Home’s Andrew Gimson, Labour tweeter and blogger Paul Richards and our own Mary Reid.
What was striking was that none of the three of them were particularly optimistic. Richards felt that Labour were being too complacent and there isn’t enough in the way of bold policy ideas to seal the deal with the electorate. He was also none too chuffed with his party’s actions over Syria. Gimson was candid that the Tories found it difficult to persuade people that they were on their side.
Mary gave a very balanced and honest appraisal of where the Liberal Democrats are at the moment. She says that she feels that the differentiation we’ve seen in the last few months should have started long before now. She talks about the joy of the equal marriage vote and how the Liberal Democrats are really on their own territory in the cost of living debate, with our record of tax cuts and support for the living wage.
Looking ahead, she says that continued differentiation in the year ahead is important. She highlights that while there are some internal issues for him to deal with to do with how we are coping with being in Coalition, the party’s membership is growing and that while people might be sceptical about politicians, they are usually far more positive about their local politicians.
You can watch the whole thing here.
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2 Comments
“Mary gave a very balanced and honest appraisal of where the Liberal Democrats are at the moment. ”
I would expect nothing less from Mary
Mary Reid is one of the best people in the party, has made a huge personal contribution to the success of the party in Kingston Borough, yet she remains one of the most patient and balanced people I have had the privilege to come across. She is a proper Liberal.
That is so kind, John.
Correction – it should be The Week in Parliament, ie the BBC Parliament programme, not to be confused with several other programmes with similar names.