As the Liberal Democrats kicked off their party conference in Bournemouth, the party indicated that it upholds liberalism and democracy, and provides a healthy alternative to voters who are leaving Labour and the Tories.

The party has a record number of 72 seats, the result of tactical anti-Tory voting and a focus on winnable seats in the former “Blue Wall” at the last election. By refusing to attend the Trump banquet too, their affable, prankish leader Ed Davey showed his mettle.

There has rarely been a greater need for a liberal, open-minded voice within our politics. Now, across the west, the far right and hard right are commanding the public space and obliging mainstream politicians to follow their drumbeats. Davey had looked like being the man to provide it . Yet now, suddenly, at

See Full Page