Inside the party conference: the Liberal Democrats
CLA Senior Public Affairs Manager Eleanor Wood offers a unique insight into the goings-on at this year's Liberal Democrat party conference regarding rural affairs
This week, the Liberal Democrats concluded their annual conference in Bournemouth, with the party seeking to solidify its position as the third major party. Leader Sir Ed Davey sought to portray a vision of seriousness, after being accused of partaking in too many media stunts to gain attention – despite this, he did arrive at the conference accompanied by a marching band.
In truth, the conference largely focused on the party trying to find its place and figuring out how to make its offer unique in the political fray that is being dominated largely by Reform. However, unlike other parties, the Lib Dems do have a distinct view for rural areas, with the party's MPs now representing a large proportion of the countryside.
Speeches from figures like Alistair Carmichael MP, chair of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, emphasized the importance of backing family farms and ensuring a stable, sustainable future for the sector. The party has made it explicit that it will not support the proposed changes to inheritance tax (IHT) when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons in the Finance Bill. Mr Carmichael praised the determination of the CLA and our members in our attempts to show the UK Government how detrimental these changes would be. The party also pledged to strengthen ties with the EU to facilitate agricultural trade.
Away from farming, many fringe debates considered the position of planning reform, rural inequalities and how the devolution agenda can be made to work for rural communities. The Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Gideon Amos, a former planning specialist, demonstrated willingness to make sure the planning system has meaningful reforms and not unnecessary tweaks.
The party remains unconvinced with Labour’s devolution agenda, describing it at one fringe event as the devolution of responsibilities without the power. The Liberal Democrats are keen to hold the government to account that areas receive the appropriate funding for work it is expected to take on.
These views were echoed in the conversations we had with MPs, key stakeholders and Liberal Democrat spokespeople over the course of the conference.
The party conference circus moves on this weekend to Liverpool, where all eyes will be on the Prime Minister to set out a plan for growth ahead of the budget in November.
Stay tuned for further analysis from the CLA.
