Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrats
Liberal
No affiliated group in the European Parliament
Change of -1.2 since last election
-1.3 in the last 3 months
The party's foundation is built upon classical and social liberalism. The Lib Dems believe in the power of the individual but advocate for fair opportunities through public investment in education and healthcare. Their view of human nature is optimistic and outward-looking.
The Liberal Democrats' agenda focuses on sweeping constitutional reforms, robust environmental protection, and strengthening public services. The party primarily advocates for the introduction of proportional representation to break the dominance of the UK's two-party system. Their target demographics include the educated middle class, pro-European voters in suburban areas, and liberal forces who find the Conservatives too right-wing and Labour too interventionist. In economic policy, they champion a market economy underpinned by social safeguards and ecological sustainability.
Within the UK's first-past-the-post electoral system, the Lib Dems often act as 'kingmakers' or as the only significant centrist force. Strategically, they leverage their role to build bridges between the major political blocs or to serve as a protest option for moderate voters. They consistently defend the institutions of the rule of law and advocate for a weakening of the central executive in London in favour of regional parliaments. Despite their critical stance on the electoral system, they are a responsible political force that prioritises stability over ideological dogma.
Total Duration: -
Total Duration: -
Total Duration: -
The party participated in government for 0% of the legislative period.
A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data
Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).
The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey
Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”