I hope that everyone, or at least those of you who took part, enjoyed Spring Conference online. And yes, I know, it isn’t the same without the social interaction but it’s better than the alternative.

There’s a lot to be said for niceness and, in what is often (and especially now) not a particularly nice world, it is important to remember that those who don’t wholly agree with us are worthy of our respect nonetheless. As Dame Edna Everage puts it;

But seriously, it’s sixty years since the iconic Orpington by-election, and Chris Maines brings back some happier memories. And, on this day in 1885, “The Mikado” opened at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, offering opportunities to satirise politicians every since. A Convention of the Estates of Scotland convened on this day in 1689, as summoned by William III and, eventually, offered the Scottish Crown to him and Mary II. It would be fair to say that this wasn’t the end of the matter…

David Brunnen reviews the latest publication by the Electoral Reform Society, whilst Mick Taylor isn’t happy with the way Federal Conference has lost its cutting edge. And Stephen Barber takes the view that our politics has been broken by Boris Johnson and his posse, giving us the task of repairing it. Coincidentally, I’ll be writing about the new “civility in public life” campaign from the National Association of Local Councils, something that perhaps is long overdue.

So, kick back and wave your gladioli, possums, as we start another week here at Liberal Democrat Voice…

* Mark Valladares is the Monday Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice.