The first time you go canvassing can feel daunting. For many people, going up to a stranger's door, knocking, and starting a conversation isn't something they do every day. They don't often ask people about how they want things to change, in their neighbourhood or across the country as a whole.
More than 1 in 4 of us will experience depression, anxiety or stress this year. Almost every family will be affected.
At our latest meeting, the Federal Board welcomed our newest member, Lisa Smart, who has been elected the new chair of the Federal Communications and Elections Committee (FCEC), taking over from James Gurling. Welcome on board, Lisa!
We also welcomed back to the Board Tony Harris as Registered Treasurer and chair of the Federal Finance and Resources Committee (FFRC) and Mike German as Federal Treasurer.
Today, Ed Davey and I have written to the Prime Minister, calling for him to reverse plans to scrap the BBC licence fee.
The British Press is by no means without criticism, but at its best, the BBC remains a beacon of independent journalism as well as high-quality entertainment. That's why Liberal Democrats will fight tooth and nail to save it. Read our letter in full below:
In a first for Exeter, the Greens and Liberal Democrats have agreed to work cooperatively in this May's city council elections in a bid to make the progressive group the official opposition on Exeter City Council. The two parties have worked together over the last year in the council under the progressive banner, together with independent councillor Jemima Moore.
You are invited to Exeter Liberal Democrats' Annual Dinner to be held on Friday 27 March 2020 at 7.00 for 7.30 at the Topsham Room, Exeter Golf and Country Club, Topsham Road, Exeter.
Tickets are £30 per head (as last year), with any profit going to party funds.
Our Speaker is Dr Mark Pack, the newly elected President of the Party.
Menu choices are as follows:
Last month, the Chair of the Election Review, Dorothy Thornhill, was announced. Now, we're pleased to be able to announce the full review team.
They bring a wide range of skills and experience, in the party and outside to the review and will help the Chair ensure the review that is conducted is thorough.
That's the saying I live my life by, because taking action is the only way to change things in this world, and bugger me this world needs some change.
That saying has led me to a lot of places. I joined the party, started delivering leaflets, knocked on doors, stood for council and stood for parliament because I needed to act.
Is a full programme of training, events, networking and parties not enough for you? At spring conference this year we have a huge package of policy motions, which all members have the chance to debate, amend and vote on. Here's a quick run-down for you! And if you haven't yet, book your place right here:
When a person puts their empty plastic bottle in a recycling bin, they understandably assume it gets recycled.
When I was the Cabinet member for the environment on Rochdale council, and when we sent our paper and cardboard to be recycled, we knew it had new lives as cardboard inserts to kitchen roll.
The tiniest of silver linings in that of the Tory majority and the near enough certainty that this Parliament will sit for at least the next four years, is that we now have time to be strategic. We have time to plan.
The fact that our leadership race will not take place until the summer also allows us time to pause, reflect, and consider what we need going forward.
