What is Lib Dem Party

Result of 2 parties merging

• in 1998

• Social Democratic Party (Old Lab MPs) and the Liberal party

• SDP formed in 1981

• LP - 1877 was as important as tories

• 1983 made pact not to stand against each other in elections = aka the Alliance - failed and in 87

Why LD one of the main 3

• Historical roots to LP and Whigs

• Recently party of gov 2010

• polled 11% vote in 2019 and 12& in 2024 with 72 seats

• significant numbers of peers in lords ]large established membership

• Compete nationally

• Represent one of core ideological positions - liberalism

2 main factions of LD

Classical liberals

Modern Liberals

Classical Liberals believe in:

• maximising personal freedom

• extending freedom of individual to keep their own wealth and property

• free markets and free trade

• smaller state with curbs on gov. spending

ML believe in:

• Freedom achieved by a strong welfare state that helps to provide equality or opportunity

• an ‘enabling’ state

• gradual tax system - lower-income groups do not pay as much as higher-income groups