I am a Liberal Democrat because I believe in freedom, fairness, compassion and giving people the power to shape their lives. Those values remain deeply important to me.

Yet, after our recent conference in Brighton, I wanted to hear a clearer, more ambitious account of how we would put those values into practice. Tax cuts have their place, but people also need decent housing, reliable public services and security when illness or old age makes them vulnerable.

Andy Burnham’s speech raised questions that deserve serious consideration. Welcoming a worthwhile proposal from another party does not weaken our liberal principles. We should assess it honestly, support what is good and challenge what remains inadequate.

As a pensioner, I am concerned about the proposed changes to pension increases from 2030. Many older people already struggle to meet everyday costs. Protecting those on the lowest incomes must be an essential part of any reform.

But I am also deeply concerned about social care. Through my community work, I see the strain on families, the anxiety about paying for care and the sacrifices made by unpaid carers.

A dependable care system could give older and disabled people greater dignity and independence. It could also help family carers, often women, return to work, protect their own wellbeing and spend time with loved ones without carrying every responsibility alone.

We therefore need an honest discussion about the whole picture. If pension increases become smaller, what care will people receive in return? What costs will remain? How will poorer pensioners be protected? And what help will families receive while they wait for reform?

Better care must also mean decent pay and conditions for care workers, with public money accountable for the quality of care it provides.

I would have welcomed a response from our leadership that acknowledged the ambition of reform while demanding credible funding, practical action and strong protections for those who cannot afford to lose.

For me, liberalism means making freedom real: freedom from poverty, from neglect and from the fear of becoming a burden.

That is the hopeful, practical vision I want our party to express—and help deliver.

* Maria Linforth-Hall is a former Southwark Councillor 2014-26