In the last week, I've been to my first two Liberal Democrat meetings. I've got a very young family, and a wife who is an NHS Consultant working irregular hours, so I was simply unable to get out and do the endless deliveries, the door knocking and the phone-banking many others did during the election campaign, so to be honest I feel a bit of a fraud. But, I did manage to get out to my two constituency meetings over the last weekend. I consider myself to be part of two constituencies, because my house is about 200 metres from the border between the two, and I live in one and work in the other, so I decided to look in on both, to see what I would find, and what I can offer.
One was in a community centre hall, and we were crammed in a small room, with tea and biscuits and listening to short talks from the established members about what they do, the set up of the party, and we were all asked to share why we got involved. Probably 40% of the people there were new, and I was amazed at the level of eloquence, and real-world skills people had. The new members included a biochemist, a communications professional, several IT specialists and me, a teacher. The conversation was buzzing, it was clear people had a purpose and a passion and want to bring this to the Liberal Democrats. We are already talking about meeting up to come up with ways of engaging with the local community using social media, putting together a 'plan' on how to do this beyond the traditional Focus leaflets, and to utilise people's skills and making the most of the time available to contribute. In an area which is run as an almost Tory fiefdom (they hold 80% of the seats on the council) this will be an uphill task, but one to relish and look forward to connecting with voters to share with them our Liberal values and ideas for improving their community. The established members have done a great job; and share many talents, skills and passions. I'm particularly looking forward to getting to know them, learning from their experiences and helping to reinvigorate the Liberal Democrat brand in that constituency.
The second meeting was a pub get together, and I went alone. I think I am a fairly confident guy, but it's a fairly big deal for me to walk into a bar full of almost complete strangers and make myself known. I tried to avoid latching on like a limpet to those I'd previously met once or twice; but invariably ended up chatting to one or two of the same people. I find 'I follow you on Twitter' to be a fairly acceptable ice-breaker in these situations. What was great about this meeting was how much people wanted to talk about politics. There was no attempt to introduce new members, so 'are you new?' was a good opener, and managed to find a few other new members. Again, people seemed sharp, switched on and have much to offer in terms of skills. The only downside was the 'micro brewed' beer was rubbish! I'll definitely go again, but I'd love the chance to engage with some of those people outside this environment, as they begin to think about campaigning again.
So I began the week feeling excited and optimistic about my new Liberal Democrat involvement, and then I woke up yesterday to the news about Charles Kennedy. What the reaction to his death has shown me, as he did in life, were that within this party there are so many decent people who simply want to create a happier, fairer, more just society. This was what Charles gave his life to. I loved what he said, shared by many. 'I jump on injustice, not bandwagons' surely a comment woven into the fabric of every Liberal. On polling day in 2005, my Mum- whom I'd not really thought of as political phoned me after seeing Charles on TV and said 'If there's any justice in the world the Liberals will walk it.' I asked her why and she said 'I can't see why anyone would not want to vote for Charles Kennedy.'
In summary, this week has shown me that the Liberal Democrats have so much to be optimistic, and thankful for. The thoroughly decent, heart-wrenching tributes from Tim Farron and Norman Lamb surely show how much this party can connect with the thousands of struggling, cynical, dissatisfied and frustrated voters by demonstrating that here are decent, honest and visionary politicians whom they can trust, respect and support- like so many did for Charles. Tim Farron moved me to tears in his tribute, addressing Charles's son today. He must have found it so hard to deliver such an uplifiting, yet deeply moving tribute as the shock of Charles's loss is just sinking in. Here we have someone who is a once in a generation talent- a gifted communicator with the ability to connect with people in a deep way, as well as a Liberal visionary. I am so excited to think that with Tim as leader, and harnessing the talents and passions of the thousands of members who are willing to play a full part, that we can look forward to a very bright future for Liberalism, and in doing so create a fitting legacy for Charles Kennedy. It's a very sad, but very exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat.
