Liberal Democrats - Mark Pack's Liberal Democrats FAQ

The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious plan for the future of our country, where every person, every community and our planet can thrive.

What do the Liberal Democrats stand for? What are their main aims?

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

Who is the leader of the Liberal Democrats?

Ed Davey was elected party leader in August 2020, beating Layla Moran to succeed Jo Swinson.

Who is the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats?

Daisy Cooper was elected deputy leader in September 2020. This post is elected by the party’s MPs.

How many seats do the Liberal Democrats have in Parliament?

There are 14 Liberal Democrat MPs since the by-election victory of Richard Foord in June 2022. See them all here.

Are the Liberal Democrats left wing or right wing?

Some see the Liberal Democrats as being in the centre on a left/right spectrum. Others reject this spectrum, and instead see the party at the liberal end of a liberal-authoritarian spectrum, with Labour and the Tories at the opposite end.

Are the Liberal Democrats pro-EU?

The Lib Dems opposed Brexit. The party now supports the longer-term objective of Britain re-joining the EU, but acknowledges that the priority at the moment is to seek closer cooperation with the EU on the most pressing issues of the day.

Do the Liberal Democrats stand in Northern Ireland?

No. The Liberal Democrats do not present candidates in Northern Ireland. The Alliance Party is our sister party in Northern Ireland.

How many Conservative and Labour MPs defected to the Liberal Democrats in the last Parliament?

Five Liberal Democrat MPs were originally elected as Conservatives, and three Liberal Democrats were originally elected as Labour. Heidi Allen, Sam Gyimah, Phillip Lee, Antoinette Sandbach and Sarah Wollaston were former Conservatives. Luciana Berger, Angela Smith and Chuka Umunna were formerly Labour.

What is the Liberal Democrats’ colour?

The Liberal Democrats’ colours are yellow (Pantone 1375C) and charcoal (Pantone Process Black). Details can be found online in the Liberal Democrats style guide.

What is the Lib Dem Twitter account?

The main Liberal Democrat Twitter account is @libdems. Look out also for the Scottish Party, @scotlibdems and the Welsh Party, @welshlibdems.

How do I get involved with the Liberal Democrats?

You can become a member of the Liberal Democrats for just £1 per month, or become a registered supporter for free. You’ll find details on the Lib Dems website.

When were the Liberal Democrats last in power?

The Liberal Democrats were part of the coalition government with the Conservatives at Westminster in 2010-15.
The Liberal Democrats were in government in Scotland in coalition with Labour 1999-2007 and in Wales, again with Labour in 2001-2003.

When were the Liberal Democrats founded?

The party was founded, initially as the Social and Liberal Democrats, in 1989. The foundation saw the merging of the SDP and Liberal Party to create a new party.