Since 2015, it has been common and rational for people in Westminster to ignore the Liberal Democrats. After the end of the coalition government, the Lib Dems suffered repeated electoral losses and misjudged or mishandled big political events: the fact that the most clearly anti-Brexit UK party has ended up with just 14 MPs today tells you a lot about Lib Dem effectiveness in recent times.
The defining feature of Lib Demmery at the local elections has been aggressive Nimbyism
The 2023 local election results probably mean that Westminster needs to update its thinking and start paying more attention to the Lib Dems and the policy positions that have helped them win in places such as Stratford-on-Avon, Windsor and Dacorum in Hertfordshire.
If there is a finely balanced parliament after the next general election, as these results suggest, there is a strong possibility that those Lib Dem policy positions could matter a lot.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in