The Unlikely Aspirations of the Liberal Democrats: Past, Present, and Future

The Unlikely Aspirations of the Liberal Democrats: Past, Present, and Future

Though the Liberal Democrats remain a significant force in UK politics, their aspirations for power in the upcoming December 2019 general election are reminiscent of the flowers in the meadow they enjoy watching, rather than conquering. Winning power is not their primary goal; rather, they aim to observe and critique from a distance. This approach resonates with their sober history, which is as colored by their time in office as it is by their time on the sidelines.

The Case of the Liberal Democrats in the UK

One must go back over a century to find a time of Liberal Democrat success. In 1906, the Liberal Party, predecessor to the current Liberal Democrats, achieved a landslide victory. However, this was the last time they held such dominance. Subsequent elections showcased the Liberals' resilience in the face of attrition and political shifts. Key figures like David Lloyd George, the last Liberal Prime Minister, were pivotal in this journey, later alighting into the Conservative and Labour Parties.

The journey from the 1920s to recent times is a tale of steady decline and occasional resurgence. In 1929, they achieved a notable victory with 24% of the vote and 59 seats. Nevertheless, the Great Depression saw them splitting into factions, losing their stronghold. The subsequent years witnessed a slow recovery but no real revival.

From Alliance to Decline

The 1980s were a turning point for the Liberal Democrats. Forming an alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1990, they saw their fortunes rise in the early 2000s. Polling strong, they won 46, 52, 62, and 57 seats in the four subsequent elections, their best performance since the 1920s. However, their plunge into a coalition with the Conservatives after 2010 marked a significant failing. They hoped for policy concessions but were met with minimal support, many of which were unfulfilled. The 2015 election saw a crash to just 8 seats, their worst performance since 1970.

Current Landscape and Future Prospects

Despite their setbacks, the Liberal Democrats continue to aspire to a central role in UK politics. However, their aspirations are more akin to a strategic sideline. As the recent history of UK political parties attests, their time on the sidelines is more constructive than the pain of sitting within a coalition.

In contrast, history shows that Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has been in power for over 70 years, save for brief interruptions. This longevity is due to both effective governance and political acumen. Conversely, Russia's United Russia party, an extreme right-wing entity, exists as a strategic imbalance under Putin’s regime, helping to maintain the illusion of a democratic system. While Russia benefits from this token of democracy, the Liberal Democrats lose significant political capital in such arrangements.

The origin and current state of the Liberal Democrats underscore the importance of political strategy and durability. Their past and present tell a story of resilience in the face of adversity, yet their future rests on avoiding the pitfalls of past coalitions and leveraging their critical role in forming effective opposition and constructive critique.