Leadership (North Thanet Liberal Democrats)

North Thanet Liberal Democrats <info@north-thanetlibdems.org.uk>

Leadership

February 6, 2006 8:01 PM

Liberal Democrat party members will, over the coming weeks, select a leader who potentially can change the course of this country's future.

He must, first, build on the credibility we already have (despite frustrations over recent events) - so that Lib Dems impact ever more strongly on the political agenda. Whilst we already pose many of the questions, the new leader must build momentum such that government has to answer - or has to trim policy in line with the principles we have set out.

He must weld the party into an ever more focused fighting unit - to achieve the objective we all share, which is for Britain and not for ourselves. That will best be achieved by drawing dynamic from some of the differences of emphasis the leadership election is revealing. The party has suffered in recent times from a perceived lack of "big hitters"; that need be the case no more.

He must maintain media attention by focusing on strategy and policy - but not on PR and soundbites. Electors would welcome a return to government by leaders - not by spin doctors, markets or the Daily Mail.

He must position the party so as to take advantage of all eventualities - including perhaps a hung parliament next time. But cunning positioning does not mean being governed by the main chance or the focus group.

Finally, he must raise standards on several fronts - standards in public life, standards of debate, standards of communication with the public. A tall order - but less so with a focused and united party behind him. To borrow a phrase from Paddy Ashdown, this election could "change Britain for good".

We have three strong and resourceful candidates. They have differing emphases in policy and style, as is only right; but nonetheless will be well able to work together as a team, whoever wins. This site must not of course express a preference. we can however tell members that there is a leadership hustings meeting at Tunbridge Wells on Wed 22nd February at 7.30. Let us know please (with membership nr) if you need details. All three candidates will be present.