The Lib Deads

In a political atmosphere where Jeremy Corbyn is splitting opinion like marmite and Theresa May as safe as a nuclear deterrent, alternative and third parties could do well. Yet there don’t seem to be any - where are the Liberal Democrats? 

Origin Story

First they were the ‘Liberals’, the only rivals to the 'Torys' until 1900. Then they became the ‘Liberal-Social Democrats’ in 1981. Finally, after a bad election in 1987, they simplified and became just the ‘Liberal Democrats’ and Britain’s third biggest party.

All smiles at the announcing of the coalition...

During Nick Clegg’s leadership in 2010, they secured enough seats (57) to form a coalition with the Conservatives, but governing was tough. 

Their support base of young people fled to Labour after a broken promise to freeze tuition fees, and the party became more and more ignored, especially after a humiliating referendum defeat on an alternative voting system. 

The result in 2015? Losing 49 seats. Nick Clegg resigned, the Conservatives had a majority, and the Liberal Democrats were disgraced. 

...then devastation in 2015

Their next leader was Tim Farron, who had to prevent the party’s collapse, endure a European Union Referendum, and react to Cameron’s fall and the rise of May and Corbyn. 

For a smaller, poorer party expecting five years rest, the referendum and the 2017 snap election drained their finances and support base. They could only muster 12 seats - nothing near what they expected. 
After Farron resigned for personal reasons, Sir Vince Cable took over, but they still sit at only 7.5% in the polls.

Long term Lib Dem Vince Cable has to lead an
ageing party

What's going wrong?

Basically, Brexit and old people. 

While those two things sound synonymous, what I mean is that their line over Brexit hurts them, and the look of the Party does not look like an election-winner.

It was Farron who initially demanded a second referendum on Brexit; mainly because the first result was so close that it didn’t represent a clear majority. Principally, it’s not a bad way to think; encouraging pro-active and clear democracy.

Pragmatically, however, it’s impractical and awkward. The EURef campaign was poisonous and damaging, and few people want to see a repeat. Also, the result has been widely accepted, and wanting a second vote sounds a bit like they’re just rejecting a result they didn’t like. 

The idea has since morphed into a vote on the eventual Brexit agreement instead, which seems more reasonable, but support is still uncertain, because there’s no idea what would happen if the deal was rejected.

The Party’s lack of MPs means many have to perform several jobs, and the face of the Lib Dems rests on a few politicians who repeatedly appear in the media. Alas, they’re all old.

The average age of a Liberal Democrat MP is 53.5 years - the highest of any party. 67% are aged 40-59 (the same as the notoriously middle-aged Conservatives), and their Youth Spokesperson is 68! 

Liberal Democrat MPs - all twelve of them

While they’re certainly experienced, it doesn't suggest they have an intimate knowledge of vital younger age groups - those most willing to support moderate, moral ideas. 

They also have a dear shortage of young, dynamic leaders. Clegg had gravitas and determination, Farron seemed principled and bubbly. 

Cable is highly experienced and intelligent, but is ageing (he's almost 75). He was recently quoted as saying it's 'perfectly plausible' that he could be Prime Minister - earning him ridicule rather than rapture.
Their middle-class comfort and rising age range puts them largely out of touch of the population.

Or...

Europe's three biggest right-wing politicians:
(left to right) Geert Wilders of the PVV (Dutch),
Frauke Petry of AfD (German), and Marine Le Pen of FNF (French)

Is there another reason? The success of Trump, Brexit, and Europe's Far-Right shows that extreme populism is in. 

People are fed up with the 'establishment'; centrism and the art of compromise and moderation is no longer politically trendy - people want to see their stubborn values prioritized above give and take and balance. 

Thus, the Lib Dems are no longer popular because they represent something else - hope, progression, and tolerance of all values. These are not idolised by the West right now.

But values change, and maybe the Liberal Democrats will too.