The Lib Dem spring conference never used to get much attention. Even among Lib Dem enthusiasts, it was always one for the hardcore activists and those standing for election. Candidates could queue up to have their photo taken with the party leader for their local Focus leaflet, or to trot out a quotable line about their target constituency from the podium for the local press. Even as an enthusiastic supporter in previous years, I went just once, as against ten times for the autumn conference.
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