Lib Dem conference at ‘base camp’
The Liberal Democrat spring conference opened today in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Sir Menzies Campbell will not address activists until Sunday, but arrived today to mark his first year as leader.
It is expected that Sir Ming will use the conference as an opportunity to rejuvenate his hold on the party, after a year he admits has only seen the Liberal Democrat campaign reach “base camp”.
In an interview with the Telegraph, the Liberal Democrat leader said he was “content but not satisfied” with his progress so far.
“Last year was about stability – next year is about voicing the anger on behalf of the British people,” he said.
“There will be a change in the party nationally and in my leadership. It is time that someone spoke up for the frustrated majority.”
The past 12 months have seen the Liberal Democrats slip in the polls, losing the advantage to the Conservatives under David Cameron.
Activists have questioned the choice of Sir Menzies as party leader, with his initial appearances at prime minister’s question time criticised for a lack of vigour.
With his 66th birthday approaching this May, it has also been asked whether the long-standing parliamentarian is too old to lead the party into the next general election.
It is expected that Sir Menzies will use his keynote speech on Sunday to criticise the government’s so-called surveillance society, attacking chancellor Gordon Brown as an “authoritarian”.
He told reporters: “People are right to be angry about the level of crime in their community; right to be angry about the government snooping and interfering in their lives; right to be angry about council tax and the lack of affordable housing and right to be angry about increasing inequality and poverty. This is the Blair/Brown legacy.”
On Saturday, Sir Menzies will join local police officers and MP Phil Willis for a walkabout around Harrogate.
