We started 2024 with 15 LibDem MPs. We finished up with 72, the highest total for a 3rd party for 100 years.
Morale is high, as can be seen by the number of new members on our local executive. Its average age has fallen sharply. So has the membership of the House of Commons, particularly on the Labour and LibDem benches.
Our local activists spent much of their time campaigning in Chesham and Amersham, supporting Sarah Green, who had won the seat for us in 2021 and comfortably held it in July. We will be continuing to support them by canvassing and delivering there for the local elections in 2025.
Not surprisingly, Sarah Green MP was our guest at our AGM. Her chosen subject was how the LibDems are doing in parliament. Thanks to our increased Short money, they now have access to expert help, not only can Ed Davey ask two Prime Minister’s questions every week, more importantly, and this is not mentioned in the press, our numbers mean that every parliamentary committee must have a minimum of 2 Lib Dem members. Layla Moran MP is the chair of the influential Commons Health and Social Security Standing Committee, whilst Alistair Carmichael MP chairs the Environment Farming and Rural Affairs and Jamie Stone MP chairs the Petitions Select Commitee.
We are technically an opposition party. But as we look at each issue fairly and objectively, sometimes we support the government, and sometimes oppose. This means we are able to bring forward amendments which will be taken seriously and sometimes adopted. We don’t grandstand like the Tories or Reform.
LibDems only targeted about 1 constituency in 7, where the party had come first or second at the 2019 election. Residents in those seats are kept well-informed by Focus leaflets.
In Harrow we are targeting those wards where we are strongest. Preparations are well under way for the borough elections in May 2026. If you would like to help. Please sign up.