Ed Davey’s leadership of the Liberal Democrats has been given something of a reprieve. Some of his parliamentary colleagues have rallied around him, offering protection at a time when questions about his leadership and the party’s direction have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
But protection is not the same as vindication. And a second chance must not become an excuse for more of the same.

The Liberal Democrats cannot afford another period of drift and dither. We need leadership. We need vision. Above all, we need to know what our party is actually for.

I’ve argued before that our problem isn’t a shortage of decent, hardworking parliamentarians or committed activists. Far from it. We have both in abundance. What we lack is a compelling, coherent liberal vision that tells the country not simply what we oppose, but what we would do differently.

That responsibility ultimately rests with the leader.

Davey has an opportunity to change course. I sincerely hope he takes it, because the country desperately needs a confident, radical liberal voice.

And that brings me to Andy Burnham’s Labour government. There are things this government is saying which liberals have championed for years. On social care, on political reform, on rebuilding public services and creating a fairer society, there ought to be considerable common ground.

When Labour advances ideas that reflect longstanding liberal principles, our response should not be to throw our toys out of the pram because somebody else has embraced them. It should be to welcome those commitments, claim our rightful share of the intellectual argument and then hold the government’s feet firmly to the fire to ensure they are delivered.

That is what effective opposition looks like. It doesn’t mean giving Burnham a free pass. It certainly doesn’t mean becoming an appendage of the Labour Party. Indeed, I’ve repeatedly warned about the dangers of allowing the Liberal Democrats to become indistinguishable from Labour.

Our liberal identity matters enormously. But there is a world of difference between maintaining that identity and indulging in petulant interviews when the Prime Minister says something with which we ought broadly to agree.

Take electoral reform. Liberals have fought for a fair voting system for generations. If Burnham is serious about changing our broken politics, Davey should be demanding a timetable, not merely offering applause. The same applies to social care. Warm words are welcome, but what matters is whether people’s lives actually improve.

Our job is to be constructive where we can, uncompromising where we must and unmistakably liberal throughout.

Those MPs who have protected Davey’s leadership have, in effect, bought him time. They have also placed a responsibility upon him and he must now demonstrate that their confidence is justified.

The Liberal Democrats deserve better than simply muddling through. So does the country.
The second chance has been given. Now let’s see the leadership, the vision and the change.

Warm Words on Europe Are Welcome. Now Burnham Must Deliver

Andy Burnham’s increasingly positive language about Britain’s relationship with Europe is enormously welcome. His acknowledgement that Brexit has done more harm than good, and his willingness to consider everything from a Customs Union to full EU membership, represents a significant departure from his predecessor’s timid approach.

But warm words alone won’t rebuild our relationship with our European neighbours. We need action.

That means a clear timetable for negotiations, removing unnecessary barriers to trade, restoring closer economic cooperation and putting Britain firmly back at the heart of Europe. The forthcoming UK-EU summit must deliver meaningful progress, not another collection of diplomatic platitudes.

As Liberal Democrats, we should welcome Burnham’s change of direction while demanding that he goes further and faster.

For me, the ultimate destination remains clear: Britain rejoining the European Union.
The Prime Minister has opened an important door. Now he must demonstrate the courage to walk through it.

Let’s Raise a Glass to Our Local Pubs!

Yesterday I enjoyed a wonderful Sunday roast at my local pub. A reminder that pubs aren’t just places to eat and drink; they’re vital community assets, bringing people together and tackling loneliness.

With too many facing closure, we must do everything possible to protect these precious community institutions.

* Mathew Hulbert is a former Councillor, is a regular commentator on TV and Radio, and is Co-Host of the Political Frenemies podcast.