Who are the Liberal Democrats?

The Liberal Democrats are the third largest party in British politics. We have 46 MPs in the House of Commons, 2 Members of the European Parliament, and control many local councils across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Why have a Party Conference?

Like any other voluntary organisation the Liberal Democrats can not run without the consent and support of our members. It is through the two Federal Conferences held each year, the main Federal Conference in the autumn and a shorter one in the spring, that this consent is given. The Federal Conference is the sovereign decision-making body of the Party.

Who goes to a Party Conference?

The majority of the people attending a Liberal Democrat Conference are the elected representatives of each local party. It is only these representatives who are allowed to vote in the debates. Also attending will be our MP’s, MEP’s, Peers and party workers, as well as journalists, diplomats, and academics. Also any member of the Liberal Democrats is entitled to come to Conference.

Where is it being held?

This year the Liberal Democrat Autumn Federal Conference is being held in Brighton, Sussex on the South Coast of England. The main conference debates are taking place in The Brighton Centre and the main venue for fringe meetings is The Stakis Brighton Metropole Hotel.

When is it being held?

This year the Liberal Democrat Autumn Federal Conference is being held between the 20th and 24th of September 1998.

What does a Liberal Democrat Party Conference decide?

The votes and debates that take place in the main Conference hall are mainly intended to decide party policy. This year we will be discussing the results of a major policy review detailed in the document ‘Moving Ahead - Towards a Citizens’ Britain’. It will also decide various items of internal party business, and amendments to our Party’s constitution.

What is the Fringe?

Not everything happens in the main conference hall. The Fringe is almost as important as the debates themselves. The Fringe consists a number of events and meetings organised by outside groups such as think tanks, associations and charities as well as by organisations associated with the Party itself, such as the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and the Liberal Democrat Youth and Students. These events can by speeches, receptions and social get togethers.

What else happens at a Liberal Democrat Conference?

A Liberal Democrat Conference is always busy. As well as the main debates and the fringe meetings members can attend a wide range of training sessions, visit exhibitors stands, or be interviewed by the many journalists and televisions crews that attend. Conference is also a great way to catch up on old friends and to meet new ones.