Archive Press Releases/News – The Liberal Party

The Liberal Party at May’s Scottish and Local Elections

The Liberal Party is pleased to confirm the following candidates stood for the party on the 7th May 2026.

With the increasing move towards all out elections every 4 years, elections are now ona more drawn out schedule.

The Scottish Liberal Party contested the Scottish Parliamentary election in the regional contest for the West Scotland Region.

We are grateful to Allan Steele and Andrew MacGregor for putting themselves forward for this election.

For the City of Lincoln Council elections Tinashe Chipawe contested the Carmholme Ward for the Liberal Party.

In Reading , Stephen Graham contested the Norcot ward of Reading Borough Council in a tight field of 6 candidates, increasing his tally of votes against an upsurge in support for the local Reform and Green candidates.

In 2027 we should be seeing candidates in Liverpool, North Yorkshire, Devon and Reading which is still on thirds. With the pending reorganisation of local government, it is possible that there may be further election next year.

We are grateful for our supporters, benefactors and local election agents for enabling our candidates to run.

As a party we are always happy to speak to like minded Liberals and Independent candidates looking to seek nomination to represent their local communities.

infotheliberalparty@liberal.org.uk

Liberal Party Leader Statement – Liverpool Somaliland community celebrate 35 years of being an Independent Democratic County

“On Friday, as Leader of the Liberal Party, I will be delighted to join the Liverpool Somaliland community as it celebrates 35 years of being an independent democratic county. This former British protectorate should be recognised by the UK and welcomed into the Commonwealth and not be held hostage to the dysfunctional state of Somalia.

Many of the Somaliland community came to the UK having valiantly served in the British army and navy.”

Cllr Steve Radford

Liberal Party NEC Statement – The Sovereignty of the Falklands Islands

The Liberal Party stands by the people of the Falklands Islands right to self-determination in defiance of US President Trump’s bullying and blackmail after the leaking of a Pentagon email questioning US support for the British claim to the islands.

We believe the US Presidents attempt at punishing the UK for not supporting his illegal intervention in Iran threatens to encourage Argentina and its leadership into a repeat of the 1982 invasion of the self-governing island.

The revelation that the US is re-accessing its support for the UK’s sovereignty of the islands should act as a wake-up call for the UK government to ensure that the South Atlantic island and other British Overseas Territories are properly safeguarded from any foreign intervention.

Liberal Party NEC Statement – The Strategic Defence Review 2026

The Liberal Party welcomes the long-overdue publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 and the commitment to sustainable increases in defence spending in an unpredictable world.

We remained concerned that whilst defence expenditure will increase to 2.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029, it is likely to remain below the desired 3% target and the funding is partially dependent on further undisclosed cuts in government budgets.

We also note that whilst the plans outlines the development of the Royal Navy into a “hybrid navy”, using self-controlled vessels and drones, the country still requires a surface fleet and logistics train to meet internally commitments and to project overseas power.

Many of the initiatives outlined in the plan, such as autonomous fighter jets and further drone developments are long-term projects which do not meet the urgent issues of preparing and equipping our armoured forces’ for the immediate threats to our nation.

At the same time Armed Forces personnel face an unprecedented challenge with morale.

The Liberal Party is deeply concerned about the increased use of internal procedures being used to end careers, with limited rights to legal representation in cases which did not involve conviction at the court martial.

Liberal Party Statement on Rising Gilt Market Borrowing Rates Surpassing Other G7 Countries

The Liberal Party today voices its urgent concern regarding the continued escalation of UK gilt market borrowing rates, which have now overtaken those of all other G7 nations. This development marks a significant turning point in the nation’s financial landscape, raising pressing questions about the government’s economic stewardship, fiscal credibility, and the future prosperity of British families and businesses.

“The United Kingdom is at a crossroads. The fact that our government now pays more to borrow than any other G7 nation should serve as a wake-up call to all those who care about our country’s future. It is vital that we restore economic credibility, protect our most vulnerable citizens, and invest in the foundations of long-term growth. Only through prudent and transparent management of our finances can we ensure a stable and prosperous future for everyone.”

Click here to read the full statement.

Annual Liberal Party Assembly Meeting at Scarborough MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF NEC

Dear Members, Supporters and Friends.

I am taking the opportunity as Chair to encourage as many of you as can to come to the Assembly in Scarborough on 4th October 2025.

This is a great time for our party to make moves forward and entrench ourselves in the government and institutions of our country for the good.

Click here to view the Agenda and Motions for the 140th Assembly – 4th October 2025

You may come for the day or you may like to stay. There are excellent road and rail links to Scarborough, and the party have a good offer from:
The Grand Hotel
St Nicolas Cliff
SCARBOROUGH
YO11 2ET
…at around £65 per night. You can book direct with the hotel by telephoning Mr Tunstall direct on 01723 375371
Why not make it a family weekend at these prices.

You will need to give your name/address, telephone number and other necessary details to confirm. We are encouraging women and young members to make a particular effort to build on last year. If you have any queries or any transport difficult please do contact the party secretary or myself.

Travel options for the venue are available via https://www.traveline.info/

We don’t expect everything to be perfect but we do expect it to be fun and great chance to share your views with other liberals.

The Grand Hotel is a large hotel in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, overlooking the town’s South Bay. It is a Grade II* listed building and is owned by Britannia Hotels. At the time of its grand opening in 1867, it was the largest hotel and the largest brick structure in Europe

Come and be part of the Liberal Movement
Sincerely
Charles Shaw

Liberal Party Leadership and NEC Elections 2025

The elections for The Liberal Party leader and the party NEC are due in the autumn of 2025 and the nomination window will be open between the 1st August and 30th September 2025.

A total of 3 nominations from party members will be required for admission to the NEC for which the party constitution allows 20 members.

A total of 20 nominations from party members will be required for nomination as party leader.

We would ask that all nominations are e-mailed to the address NECElections@liberal.org.uk.

Once the tally of nominations has been completed, the Secretary of the NEC will be advised if any elections need to be held and ballot papers distributed.

It is envisaged the newly elected NEC will hold an informal meeting at the October Assembly.

Election of party officers will then happen at the next NEC meeting.

It will also have the task of appointing the party President, as the 4-year term is now up for renewal.

Click here to view the Agenda and Motions for the 140th Assembly – 4th October 2025

Stephen Graham
Liberal Party NEC Member
Stephen.grahamg5@gmail.com

The Liberal Party at the Local Government Association (LGA) Elections 2025

This spring our party leader Cllr Steve Radford stood for election as an officer for the Local Government Association(LGA) Independent group.

The results were announced on the 1st July and Steve’s campaign increased our visibility to other independent and minority party councillors.

With the conclusion of the ballot, we are now able to publicise the 3 short promotional videos produced in support of his candidacy.

LGA Promotionally Video 1 https://youtu.be/heptPb7PVyg

LGA Promotionally Video 2 https://youtu.be/erDzkk2v2qY

LGA Promotionally Video 3 https://youtu.be/Auy96nDYW7s

Our candidate was also allowed to circulate a manifesto which is accessible below:

DOWNLOAD

The party is always willing to speak to like minded Independent councillors on issues of mutual interest and benefit.

Liberal Party leader Cllr Steve Radford

Liberal Party NEC Statement – Sectarian Violence in Syria

The Liberal Party notes with horror a further round of sectarian violence, this time cantered in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, and involving Syrian Government forces, Arab tribal forces and Druze groups.

The party condemn the targeted executions and massacres of unarmed Alawite Christian and Druze civilians, including women, the elderly, children and hospital patients in the most recent violence.

We welcome the statement from the Syrian Fatwa Council declaring that the killing and assaulting of civilians is forbidden regardless of sect.

The Syria Government must act to restore order, remove foreign fighters and commit to a multiethnic Syrian government inclusive of all ethnic and religious groups with guaranteed regional autonomy.

Liberal Party NEC Statement – The Scope for Funding the Governments Budget Deficit

The Liberal Party notes media speculation of potential tax rises in the autumn budget to fund a £30 billion budget deficit following revisions to cuts to welfare benefits.

The party believes that sufficient scope exits to properly fund public services, and to create a modest liberal redistribution of wealth through reform of the tax system, and the range of tax rebates, allowances and exemptions.

We support raising the threshold for paying income tax to £20k to allow people to retain more of their earnings and to reduce in work benefits, thus simplifying the benefits system and cutting administration costs.

Work should always pay and that the party strongly believes that the welfare system is there as a safety net rather than a lifestyle choice.

We also believe proper support for small business and the SME’s will allow for sustained growth in the economy by reducing the threshold for VAT registration for small businesses or the self-employed to £150k.