Lib Dems

• • The Liberal Democrats formed when the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party merged in 1988.
  • The Liberals were a major political force in the 19th and early 20th century but had declined in popularity. The Social Democratic Party was formed by the ‘Gang of Four’, 4 Labour Party politicians who left the party in 1981 because they were unhappy with the policies under Michael Foot.
• • Under the 1st leader Paddy Ashdown, the party tried to be the middle ground between Labour and Conservatives, but with policies focusing on reform.
  • At first, the party failed to win seats, but in the 90s the Lib Dems started winning by-elections and increasing support in local elections.
  • In 1997 the Lib Dems won 46 seats, and increased this in 2001 and 2005.
  • There was a decline in popularity after 2006, and Nick Clegg became leader in 2007.
• • Classical liberalism argues for limited state intervention, and advocates equality, tolerance and freedom. It proposes that the best way to improve people’s livelihoods is through self-improvement rather than through the state playing a role.
• • Modern liberalism advocates the need for more state intervention by introducing regulation of the market and providing welfare for people.
  • Scholars such as Thomas Hill Green and Leonard Hobhouse advocated modern or new liberalism.
• • The Lib Dems gained more support in the 2010 election campaign, and Nick Clegg was a popular figure after the leadership debates.
• • Despite increased popularity, the Lib Dems lost seats in 2010 and joined the Conservatives in a coalition government after the 2010 election.
  • The coalition meant that the party broke election promises such as not increasing tuition fees.
  • The Lib Dems were a moderating force in the coalition government and blocked some Conservative policies - inheritance tax cuts.
• • Tim Farron was the leader after Nick Clegg, and led the party at the 2017 general election.
  • Farron lost popularity when he made controversial comments on homosexuality.
  • After Tim Farron, Vince Cable became leader and then, in 2019, the party elected its first female leader Jo Swinson.
• Classical liberalism: limited state intervention, advocates equality, free market, tolerance and freedom.
• Modern liberalism: more state intervention, regulation of the market and providing welfare for people.