Liberal Vision

Statement on Mark Littlewood’s departure and Liberal Vision

Hullo all,

First things first: due to the requirement for party-political impartiality, Mark Littlewood is leaving the Liberal Democrats after being appointed to his smashing new job at the IEA.

But you knew that already.

To clarify–he has therefore departed Liberal Vision, as the group requires active participants to be members of the Liberal Democrats.

As the inevitable decision was made, there were tears, hugs, and torn heartstrings, but in the end whatever will be, will be, and there are plenty more fish in the sea.

I’m one of those (gold)fish, and as of today am delighted to take over as Director, in a move that will no doubt delight millions, especially my mother. However, this is only possible due to the assistance of many Liberal Vision supporters who have pledged to rally behind the cause in recent days. I thank them all, as well as our hundreds of members / supporters, and thousands of readers.

This success gives us a solid foundation upon which to build. In fact, since Mark’s departure, the rate of new e-mail subscriptions and membership applications have more than doubled. Read into that what you will!

In all seriousness, I would personally like to thank Mark for founding this group and for his steely determination, rock solid principles and unshakeable tendency to force gin down my throat. With these tools the foundations have been laid in a remarkably short time.  As to how we build on them going forward, there is no quick answer.  There “will be changes around here”, but they will not be made suddenly, nor capriciously. There will be consultation and a considered approach to advancing classical liberal ideas within the UK’s only Liberal party, at a time when freedoms are increasingly threatened by the Tories and Labour.

If you are interested in helping Liberal Vision in this aim, please get in touch (admin@liberal-vision.org).

Sincerely and faithfully yours,

Julian Harris