A Memo to Ming

Liberal Democrat News, March 2006

Congratulations to Ming Campbell on his decisive victory in the leadership contest and for getting off to such a great start in Harrogate last weekend.

On the day following his election to Party Leader, Ming left listeners to the Today programme in no doubt about his position on hung parliaments – he’s not talking about them.  But this question will be put to us time and time again between now and 2009.  So can we maintain radio silence on this, and indeed, should we?

Despite the best efforts of a media generally hostile to Liberal Democrats, there is a real understanding out there that we do now live in a genuinely 3 party system.  Having tried so hard to promote that understanding, why then do we shy away from its inevitable conclusion – that of a general election result in which no one party has majority control?

The prospects of this becoming a reality have never been better.  The British Electoral survey has flagged this up, and the media are taking their lead. In a widely discredited electoral system, the Conservatives are almost certainly not going to achieve the kind of swing they need to get into power despite being faced with an increasingly unpopular government.  All the more reason for us to welcome the prospect of a hung parliament in which Liberal Democrats and their values can be of real influence in the way the country is governed. 

We have three years to argue that there is no magic in majority government – look at the contortions to which Blair has to resort in order to get his legislation past his own Party.  Nor need there be any fear of an election result which results in no single party having a majority in parliament.

How we position ourselves on this issue is the biggest test we will face as a Party.

Of course there is no question of any kind of pre-election deal. It is not for us to manipulate the voters of this country by denying them choice, even in a rotten electoral system.

Nor is it right that in advance of an election we should be bounced into saying whether we would form a coalition government, and with whom.  Of all parties it is right that we should respect the wishes of the electorate and reflect the outcome as best we can consistent with the things we believe in. 

We should not allow ourselves to be the only party quizzed on what they would do in such a scenario – it is a matter for all parties, not just Liberal Democrats.

“Meeting the Challenge” is an opportunity for us to refine the core beliefs and values which will underpin our manifesto.  Having established a clear set of unambiguous principles we can enter the next general election with the argument that a hung parliament gives the public a chance to ensure that whatever the shape of the next government, Liberal Democrat votes will translate into real influence.

There has never been a time when the choice between the Tories and Labour has been so small , and people are crying out for a new kind of politics based on conviction and passion rather than the tepid managerialism offered by the other parties.

In this way can we resist the electoral squeeze in which both parties use us as the bogey man who will let the other in.  It is also a way to deal head on with the problem which has always dogged us – that of relevance.  For as long as I can remember we have quoted surveys showing how many people would vote for us if they thought we could win.  What we can say now for certain is that the more Liberal Democrat votes and seats we win, the greater influence we will have on the future of the country.

Regardless of whether there is a coalition, an issue-by-issue arrangement, or a government with an overall control, we can say that these Liberal Democrat principles will determine our support.  Respect for international institutions, commitment to individual freedoms , protection of the environment and transparent, fair  taxation, localism and radicals proposals for the reform of public services.