# liberal democrat (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 5 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover liberal democrat. Page: Feed: --- ## [Lib Dems make another gain from Reform](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177335/lib-dems-makes-another-gain-from-reform/) _2026-08-21 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ A quartet principal authority council by-elections this week, and another full slate of Lib Dem candidates, which is one up on the last time these seats were up. ## [Jeffrey Archer’s ‘First Among Equals’, with Shane Whaley (part 1)](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177333/jeffrey-archers-first-among-equals-with-shane-whaley-part-1/) _2026-08-20 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Cory and Mark are joined by Shane Whaley of the Spybrary podcast this week. Shane has picked for us to watch First Among Equals, a prime time ITV political drama from the 1980s. ## [Scott Arthur MP: ‘Edinburgh can build the next generation of defence tech’](https://www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2026/08/19/scott-arthur-mp-edinburgh-can-build-the-next-generation-of-defence-tech/) _2026-08-19 · Dr Scott Arthur · Politics.co.uk_ For my constituents in Edinburgh, the defence debate in Westminster can sometimes feel distant, dominated by discussion of GDP percentages and Treasury settlements. Yet some of the most important work in keeping this country safe is happening a few miles from my constituency office and, following the publication of the government’s Defence Investment Plan, this... Read more » The post Scott Arthur… ## [Restoring safety, order and fairness to our asylum system](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/restoring-safety-order-and-fairness-to-our-asylum-system) _2026-08-18 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ We are calling for the UK to enter the EU's landmark new Migration and Asylum Pact to help implement an asylum system that is fair and effective for all. ## [Latest voting intention and leadership ratings opinion polls](https://www.markpack.org.uk/155623/voting-intention-opinion-poll-scorecard/) _2026-08-14 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Welcome to my summary of the latest national voting intention polls for the next UK general election, along with MRP projections and party leadership ratings. ## [Lib Dems gain seats from both Reform and Labour](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177306/lib-dems-gain-seats-from-both-reform-and-labour/) _2026-08-14 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Two principal authority council by-elections this week and two Liberal Democrat gains - adding to the other two councillors the party had already picked up this week. ## [Council by-election results scorecard 2026-2027](https://www.markpack.org.uk/176850/council-by-election-results-scorecard-2026-2027/) _2026-08-13 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Here's the latest tally of seats changing hands in principal authority council by-elections held since the last May round of local elections. ## [Conservative councillor Heather McLain joins Lib Dems](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177302/conservative-councillor-heather-mclain-joins-lib-dems/) _2026-08-13 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Gloucestershire Live reports news of Cllr Heather McLain joining the Liberal Democrats from the Conservatives in Tewkesbury. ## [Julian Smith MP: ‘If Burnham is serious about growth, he must end the war on business’](https://www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2026/08/13/julian-smith-mp-if-burnham-is-serious-about-growth-he-must-end-the-war-on-business/) _2026-08-13 · Sir Julian Smith · Politics.co.uk_ Businesses of all sizes are creating jobs, investing in skills and driving growth in communities across the country. They do so against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical instability and under a Labour government that has so far shown little understanding of what businesses need to thrive. Starting any business always comes with a degree of... Read more » The post Julian Smith MP: ‘If Burnham… ## [Lib Dem Federal Conference: use the drafting advice service](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177299/lib-dem-federal-conference-use-the-drafting-advice-service/) _2026-08-12 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ The drafting advice service for Lib Dem Federal Conference is essential, however well you think you know your topic. ## [AI QA that opens fix PRs (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/fq3gBYzILjT0) _2026-08-12 · **Sponsored**_ Run a browser QA from plain-English instructions; get GitHub issues and optional fix PRs. ## [Café with a view #20: Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177296/cafe-with-a-view-20-bedfords-park-nature-discovery-centre/) _2026-08-11 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ The cafe at the Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre is a fairly standard park cafe, but the view is anything but standard. ## [How many councillors has Reform UK lost since the May 2026 elections?](https://www.markpack.org.uk/176783/how-many-councillors-has-reform-uk-lost-since-the-may-2026-elections/) _2026-08-11 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ A list of Reform councillors elected on or after 7 May 2026 who the party has already shed. ## [Councillor Martin Allen joins Liberal Democrats from the Greens](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177294/councillor-martin-allen-joins-liberal-democrats-from-the-greens/) _2026-08-09 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ The Liberal Democrats have welcomed Councillor Martin Allen to the party after he announced he was leaving the Greens. ## [Why you should read old election manuals](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177292/why-you-should-read-old-election-manuals/) _2026-08-09 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ If I had to do my history PhD over again, I would definitely pick a study of election manuals. Through this and the previous two centuries, they tell the story of... ## [Democracy, defence policy, health care and more at Lib Dem Autumn Conference](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177284/democracy-foreign-policy-health-care-and-more-at-lib-dem-autumn-conference/) _2026-08-07 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ The agenda and reports to conference for the Autumn Conference in Brighton have been published, including the full text of all the motions to be debated. ## [Two more wards become Reform vs Lib Dem in council by-elections](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177280/two-more-wards-become-reform-vs-lib-dem-in-council-by-elections/) _2026-08-07 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Five principal authority council by-elections this week, and all five with Lib Dem candidates - which is particularly impressive as there was... ## [A murder mystery set in Parliament, written by a pioneering MP](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177268/a-murder-mystery-set-in-parliament-written-by-a-pioneering-mp/) _2026-08-07 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Mark and Cory are joined by Elinor Taylor for our first book! It is Ellen Wilkinson’s The Division Bell Mystery, a political thriller disguised as a golden age detective story. ## [Gideon Amos MP: ‘Don’t just build houses, start designing communities’](https://www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2026/08/06/gideon-amos-mp-dont-just-build-houses-start-designing-communities/) _2026-08-06 · Gideon Amos · Politics.co.uk_ The towns and cities we build must start with a simple, often neglected principle: decisions about housing and infrastructure should improve our quality of life. We need homes, services and infrastructure that meet people’s needs. But the answer cannot simply be to just build with little regard for the places people already call home. To... Read more » The post Gideon Amos MP: ‘Don’t just build… ## [Kemi Badenoch’s dismissive attitude towards local government](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177264/kemi-badenochs-dismissive-attitude-towards-local-government/) _2026-08-05 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Kemi Badenoch's defence of the selection of former neo-Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Paine is it is okay as it is for a council rather Parliament. ## [Gavin Robinson MP: ‘Defence investment is critical to the Union’](https://www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2026/08/05/gavin-robinson-mp-defence-investment-is-critical-to-the-union/) _2026-08-05 · Gavin Robinson · Politics.co.uk_ In every generation, the United Kingdom has had to relearn a simple truth: peace is protected by strength, and strength requires investment. Today, that truth is impossible to ignore. War has returned to Europe, authoritarian states are testing the resolve of democracies, and our adversaries are threatening the maritime routes on which our economy depends.... Read more » The post Gavin Robinson… ## [PixelRift — Platforming with Level Editor (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/EiMzy5qJpTee) _2026-08-05 · **Sponsored**_ Includes a built-in level editor, campaign with elemental heroes, and boss encounters. ## [Ellen Wilkinson: the first female Minister of Education](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177255/ellen-wilkinson-the-first-female-minister-of-education/) _2026-08-05 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Ellen Wilkinson’s political career culminated in being Minister of Education in Clement Attlee’s 1945 government. She also wrote a murder mystery. ## [The government’s near-invisible power to veto legislation](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177250/the-governments-near-invisible-power-to-veto-legislation/) _2026-08-04 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ As someone who has written about, and repeatedly raised in Parliament, questions about the quality and clarity of our laws, it was great... ## [First Clacton by-election opinion poll released](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177246/first-clacton-by-election-opinion-poll-released/) _2026-08-03 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Survation has carried out a constituency poll in Clacton ahead of the Parliamentary by-election. ## [Council by-election win for Lib Dems in marginal Westminster seat](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177239/council-by-election-win-for-lib-dems-in-marginal-westminster-seat/) _2026-07-31 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Five principal authority council by-elections this week plus the one for the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Let s start with a Lib Dem defence in a ward that s located in just the sort of Parliamentary seat the party needs to win in order to prosper at the next general election: Congratulations to new councillor Jim Paine \[ \] ## [Starmer has come and gone but the 2024 election bills still need sorting by the government](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177231/starmer-has-come-and-gone-but-the-2024-election-bills-still-need-sorting-by-the-government/) _2026-07-30 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Election agents, often volunteers, have a tight legal timetable to meet for submitting their candidate expense returns after an election. But the government... ## [Procedures and rule books are the real heroes of this film](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177225/procedures-and-rule-books-are-the-real-heroes-of-this-film/) _2026-07-30 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ The US constitution is one of the sets of rules that are the real heroes of Mr Smith Goes To Washington. [Listen](https://www.markpack.org.uk/files/2026/07/use-of-architecture.mp3) ## [The infected blood scandal highlights the siloed nature of Whitehall](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177214/the-infected-blood-scandal-highlights-the-siloed-nature-of-whitehall/) _2026-07-26 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Across a little over two decades, more than 30,000 people were given infected blood by the NHS. ## [First Labour by-election gains of the Burnham Premiership](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177210/first-labour-by-election-gains-of-the-burnham-premiership/) _2026-07-24 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Five principal authority council by-elections this week, including Labour's first gains of the Andy Burnham era. ## [Mr Smith Goes To Washington](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177206/mr-smith-goes-to-washington/) _2026-07-24 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Aidan Byrne joins Mark and Cory to watch the classic Mr Smith Goes to Washington. It’s a film full of shameless emotional manipulation, especially from some of the children in it. ## [Lib Dems should target becoming largest party in local government (LDN#212)](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177204/lib-dems-should-target-becoming-largest-party-in-local-government-ldn212/) _2026-07-23 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #212, which expands on why the Liberal Democrats should set - and then work seriously to hit! - a target of being the largest party in local government. ## [Ship software peacefully (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/kREuIVcKnBfe) _2026-07-23 · **Sponsored**_ Deploy apps from your repo with auto-config, instant previews, scaling, and monitoring. ## [How Andy Burnham can deliver True Labour reindustrialisation](https://www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2026/07/21/how-andy-burnham-can-deliver-true-labour-reindustrialisation/) _2026-07-21 · Patrick Hurley and Euan Stainbank · Politics.co.uk_ On the steps of Downing Street yesterday, we heard a clear call to turn the page on forty years of economic mismanagement. Our country’s reckless experiment in extreme deindustrialisation is at the heart of this broken paradigm. As the prime minister put it, “large parts of the country de-industrialised, and they still haven’t recovered.” That... Read more » The post How Andy Burnham can deliver… ## [Labour councillor joins Lib Dems in Portsmouth](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177199/labour-councillor-joins-lib-dems-in-portsmouth/) _2026-07-20 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Rajah Ghosh, a Labour councillor in Portsmouth, has decided to join the Liberal Democrats over local government reorganisation. ## [John Healey: who is the new chancellor and what does he believe?](https://www.politics.co.uk/news-feature/2026/07/20/john-healey-who-is-the-new-chancellor-and-what-does-he-believe/) _2026-07-20 · Politics.co.uk staff · Politics.co.uk_ John Healey has been appointed as the new chancellor of the exchequer. Healey’s appointment came as Andy Burnham announced his cabinet hours after becoming prime minister on Monday afternoon. Healey is the Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, having first been elected to parliament at the 1997 general election. In the 2024 general election, he... Read more » The post John Healey: who is the new… ## [Burnham talks football and Strait of Hormuz in first call with Donald Trump](https://www.politics.co.uk/news/2026/07/20/burnham-talks-football-and-strait-of-hormuz-in-first-call-with-donald-trump/) _2026-07-20 · Josh Self · Politics.co.uk_ Andy Burnham has held his first call with Donald Trump as prime minister, congratulating the US president on a “successful World Cup” and floating a future presidential visit to Manchester. The call took place on Monday afternoon, shortly after Burnham was appointed prime minister by King Charles at Buckingham Palace following Keir Starmer’s resignation. According... Read more » The post Burnham… ## [Starmer ally leaves government with parting shot at ‘disloyal’ MPs](https://www.politics.co.uk/news/2026/07/20/starmer-ally-leaves-government-with-parting-shot-at-disloyal-mps/) _2026-07-20 · Josh Self · Politics.co.uk_ Steve Reed has left government within hours of Andy Burnham’s appointment as prime minister with a parting shot at “disloyal” MPs. Reed, a longstanding ally of former prime minister Keir Starmer, said he was “disappointed to be leaving government now” but wished Burnham’s “new team every success”. Reed was appointed to the post of secretary... Read more » The post Starmer ally leaves government… ## [Andy Burnham vows to end rough sleeping ‘at the earliest opportunity’](https://www.politics.co.uk/news/2026/07/20/andy-burnham-vows-to-end-rough-sleeping-at-the-earliest-opportunity/) _2026-07-20 · Politics.co.uk staff · Politics.co.uk_ Andy Burnham has used his first speech as prime minister to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping. The announcement, delivered as Burnham addressed the nation outside 10 Downing Street, will be backed “from day one” by an extra £340 million in funding – pushing total investment in tackling rough sleeping to record levels.... Read more » The post Andy Burnham vows to end rough sleeping ‘at… ## [Andy Burnham’s winding path to power: who is the new prime minister?](https://www.politics.co.uk/news-feature/2026/07/20/andy-burnhams-winding-path-to-power-who-is-the-new-prime-minister/) _2026-07-20 · Politics.co.uk staff · Politics.co.uk_ Andy Burnham has entered Downing Street as prime minister, becoming the seventh person to hold the office in a decade. Burnham is the Labour and Co-operative Party MP for Makerfield, having returned to parliament at a by-election on 18 June 2026. He previously represented the constituency of Leigh from 2001 to 2017. Burnham’s first stint... Read more » The post Andy Burnham’s winding path to… ## [Political history points against early general elections](https://www.markpack.org.uk/177196/political-history-points-against-early-general-elections/) _2026-07-19 · Mark Pack · Mark Pack_ Perhaps my piece of political punditry that has aged best is the set of reasons I gave in early 2017 as to why Theresa May would not call an early election. ## [Lessons from 1936 and 2026 for the Liberal Democrats (LDN#211)](https://libdemnewswire.substack.com/p/lessons-from-1936-and-2026-for-the) _2026-06-22 · Mark Pack · Liberal Democrat Newswire_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #211, which takes a look at lessons from the 1930s Liberal Party and from the May 2026 for the Liberal Democrats. ## [A new Growth and Defence Partnership with Europe](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/a-new-growth-and-defence-partnership-with-europe) _2026-06-17 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ Our new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU - including joining the Single Market and a new Customs Union - will make the UK richer, safer and stronger. ## [Our Essential Energy Guarantee](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/our-essential-energy-guarantee) _2026-06-08 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ The Liberal Democrats have announced a new policy to make energy affordable again and help make fuel poverty a thing of the past. ## [You don’t have to be standing to point](https://www.libdemspointing.co.uk/785/laura-gordon/) _2026-06-03 · Mark Pack · Lib Dems Pointing_ Laura Gordon, a councillor in Oxfordshire (Kidlington North & Otmoor ward), shows you can point while lying down. ## [First thoughts on the Lib Dem results (LDN#210)](https://libdemnewswire.substack.com/p/first-thoughts-on-the-lib-dem-results) _2026-05-09 · Mark Pack · Liberal Democrat Newswire_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #210, which focuses on first thoughts for what this month’s elections mean for the Liberal Democrats. ## [Getting the job done: Our latest wins in Westminster](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/getting-the-job-done-our-latest-wins-in-westminster) _2026-05-02 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ The Liberal Democrats secured a number of wins in Parliament recently - here's a recap of what we've achieved. ## [6 ways to judge the Liberal Democrat election results (LDN#209)](https://libdemnewswire.substack.com/p/6-ways-to-judge-the-liberal-democrat) _2026-04-30 · Mark Pack · Liberal Democrat Newswire_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #209, which is a special edition ahead of the May elections, looking at six key yardsticks for judging the Liberal Democrat election results. ## [Q. Are we delivering too many leaflets? A. No, and here’s why… (LDN#208)](https://libdemnewswire.substack.com/p/q-are-we-delivering-too-many-leaflets) _2026-04-20 · Mark Pack · Liberal Democrat Newswire_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #208, which takes a look at that favourite election season topic: are we doing too many leaflets? ## [Guaranteeing GP surgeries on new developments](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/guaranteeing-gp-surgeries-on-new-developments) _2026-04-14 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ Liberal Democrats are clear: new housing must go hand in hand with new GPs. ## [I really hope they didn’t actually try to deliver a parcel to this pothole](https://www.libdemspointing.co.uk/773/simon-drage-lambeth-pointing/) _2026-04-09 · Mark Pack · Lib Dems Pointing_ Good use of the traditional single finger point style by Lambeth Liberal Democrat Simon Drage. ## [Our emergency plan to keep Britain moving](https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/keep-britain-moving) _2026-04-02 · John Milne MP: John Milne_ Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency transport package to keep Britain moving, cutting the cost of travel for people – whether by car, train or bus. ## [Why the Lib Dems need more candidates (LDN#207)](https://libdemnewswire.substack.com/p/why-the-lib-dems-need-more-candidates) _2026-03-23 · Mark Pack · Liberal Democrat Newswire_ Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #207, which includes a look at why the Lib Dems need more local election candidates, a discussion of James Graham’s hit play This House, news of how the Cabinet Office moved very slowly to correct an error in government pay and more.