Your FH guide to…the Lib Dem Conference

16.09.2011

What does Clegg need to do?

A hard stance on free schools, raising the income tax threshold and a momentous agreement on banking reform. Significant losses in local elections and a devastating defeat on AV. Which Nick Clegg goes to Birmingham? The embattled Deputy Prime Minister used as the whipping boy for every coalition decision or the party leader attempting to re-establish the Lib Dems as a separate entity as opposed to a compliant coalition partner?

The party faithful will want to be assuaged at conference, reminded that the Liberal Democrats have tempered the worst excesses of the ‘nasty party’ in the past year. So Clegg needs to frame his speech around this checklist of achievements.

That and curb the ambitions of Tim Farron.

The big event

Clegg’s speech risks being overshadowed by the ongoing handwringing over NHS reforms. Shirley Williams and Evan Harris (aka ‘Dr Death’ to some Tory commentators) have both raised their heads above the parapet in the past few weeks demanding substantial further changes to the Bill.

A headache for the party leadership, they have stymied the revolt by refusing to allow a vote on the issue. Despite this we can still expect the party faithful to kick up a fuss - though remember what happened with free schools last year? Don’t expect it to have a lasting impact in pragmatic circles.

The big announcement?

Lib Dem Ministers are expected to make a whole series of policy announcements, while rumours on the grapevine suggest the Lib Dems are to use their annual gathering to unveil a whole new campaigning system. Yes folks, the Obama effect.

Watch out for…

Tim Farron. Party President. Beloved of the left-wing of the party, Farron’s profile has risen considerably in the past twelve months and he has recently taken a shine to disagreeing with his leader. Only last week he attacked the health reforms, a day after Clegg had said the coalition was in agreement. But worth bearing in mind that after this week’s boundary review his seat is due for the chop…

Oliver Letwin. The Conservative on the ground. The Cabinet Office minister is due to speak at an SMF event on the economy with the TUC’s Brendan Barber…Lookout as well for Greg Clark and Tristram Hunt. As usual Vince Cable is always worth the conference fee, and his movements in light of the Vickers report will be keenly followed.

View from the grassroots

Last year media and pundits alike predicted rebellion in Liverpool. They were sorely disappointed to find a generally amiable bunch of activists, excited to finally be in power and utterly realistic about what coalition would hold. This year local election losses may dampen the mood. Also the changes to the benefit system, an issue that will have been raised on the doorstep, is something many grassroots members will be eager to raise.