For the Liberal Democrats, local government is key – localism, community politics, devolved power are all hallmarks of the Liberal Democrat approach.
We have a strong and proud tradition in local government, withover just under 3,000 councillors across the UK, currently leading 67 councils across England and Wales. Our Group at the LGA plays a major role in the organisation. We are the persistent defenders of local democracy, arguing that what a local community can do for itself is best left to that community, without interference from central government. We also carry this message to Government and the wider world.
The LGA is a politically balanced organisation, with each of the political groups allocated places throughout the structure in proportion to the number of people their councillors represent. The Lib Dem Group has increased its voting strength at the LGA. The LGA’s new political balance is: Labour: 38.65% (+2.75%); Conservative: 33.75% (-4.45%); Liberal Democrat: 14.96% (+1.76%); Independent/Other: 12.64% (-.0.6%).
We are very active within the LGA on lobbying, media work and identifying and promoting best practice and also within the Liberal Democrats local government family. We have a very strong working relationship with ALDC (Association of Liberal Democrats Councillors and Campaigners), the Federal Party where appropriate and also our MPs and peers.