The Liberal Democrats have announced a fresh leadership election
timetable and plans to hold an online Autumn Conference - the first
for any major political party - in response to the coronavirus
pandemic.
At a meeting of the party’s Federal Board last night, the party
agreed to holding their leadership election from June through to
August. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the contest will
make use of online hustings and online voting.
President of the Liberal Democrats Mark Pack, who chairs the
Federal Board, also confirmed the Liberal Democrats decision to
hold a digital conference in the Autumn follows “careful
consideration of the latest expert advice.”
Liberal Democrat Party President Mark Pack said:
“Following careful consideration of the latest public health
advice concerning the coronavirus pandemic, the Liberal Democrats
are planning to run the biggest online conference in British
politics.
“Conference plays a key role in our democratic party as well as
being an important training and information exchange event. I am
therefore pleased we will host an online alternative, the first
for any major political party.
“I am also pleased to confirm the timetable to elect our next
Leader. The sad state of our Government today shows how
desperately the country needs a vision of an outward-looking,
caring country that celebrates diversity and benefits from
high-quality public services.
“With our party membership at record levels, I urge everyone else
who shares our values to join us in the coming days and vote in
the leadership election.”
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
The Liberal Democrats will hold their online conference in
September, over the weekend of 26th/27th. More details to follow.
Candidates must be Members of Parliament and be proposed by at
least 10% of other members of the Parliamentary Party in the
House of Commons. They must also be supported by 200 individual
members from 20 local parties.
Nominations for candidates will open on the 24th June.
Nominations will close on the 9th July. In order to vote in the
contest, you must be a member at the close of nominations on the
9th July.
The ballot will then open on the 30th July and close on the 26th
August, after which the party will announce the next leader.
