Special Conference Report

Representatives of the Totnes & Brixham Liberal Democrats were present in Birmingham on the 16th May to attend a special conference called to debate the recent coalition agreement. The mood of Lib Dem members was described by one speaker as ranging from "excited but anxious" to "anxious but excited". The conference was opened by Baroness Ros Scott, the party president. She was warm in her praise for Nick Clegg and the negotiating team and was the first of many speakers to say that they had no alternative to making a deal with the Conservatives.

The motion before the meeting mentioned the outcome of the General Election, the "long-standing desire of the Liberal Democrats to see parties working together" and the constructive nature of the coalition negotiations, itemising different areas of fairness important to the party. It then said "Conference further believes that the coalition agreement represents the best chance to create a stable government that can address the serious economic challenges facing the country in a fair and sustainable manner".

One amendment emphasised the independence of the party and the possibility still to develop "new policy through its democratic processes". Other amendments mentioned inequality in income and wealth, tuition fees, human rights, LGBT equality, and proportional representation in local government. All amendments were carried without dissent.

There were many speeches from ordinary members, including several members of the negotiating team and other MPs who pointed out that Labour had offered very little during talks. One said that the Labour Party was "preparing for opposition". Another said that they were concentrating on their own leadership election and not interested in any co-operation with the Lib Dems. Several people spoke of the backward-looking attitude of the Labour Party and that it would be impossible to have a progressive partnership with a party that was not progressive.

Many speakers said that they had fought the Conservatives all their political lives and had had difficulty coming to terms with the agreement but the point was made, especially by Nick Clegg, that we have always talked about co-operation between parties and this is our opportunity to put into practice what we have preached.

Nick Clegg brought the conference to a close in a huge hall with standing room only. He was proud and enthusiastic about being in government and having so many Lib Dem ministers, while acknowledging huge risks, both for himself and for the party. He felt that we now have the opportunity we have been waiting for and urged us all to work for success in the referendum on changing the voting system.