The next Liberal Democrat leader must not turn left

The new party leader needs to learn from Paddy Ashdown – and Tony Blair, too – if we are going to eject the Tories from government.

By Tim Farron

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Liberal Democrat Party leader Tim Farron speaks to suporters and the press at 1 Whitehall Place on June 9, 2017 in London, England. After a snap election was called by Prime Minister Theresa May the United Kingdom went to the polls yesterday. The closely fought election has failed to return a clear overall majority winner and a hung parliament has been declared. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

I guess you’d firmly have me down as being on the left of the Liberal Democrats. I opposed the tuition fee rise, opposed the bedroom tax, have always supported high public spending funded by progressive taxation, and was a coalition sceptic though not an opponent.

But, as we decide upon our new leader and our party’s strategy, I want to say this: it would be bonkers for us to make a choice now to stake a position to the left of Labour. I urge our next leader to take a wiser course.