Liberal Party policy is made by members. Here's how we operate.
Individuals can join through a local association or as individuals, but all members have exactly the same rights. Our members come from all walks of life and all parts of the UK. About the only thing they have in common is a belief in the principles discussed in this manifesto.
The Party is run by a National Executive Committee (NEC), elected annually in a postal ballot of all members.
Each year a conference is held (in the Liberal Party it is called the Assembly) over a weekend, usually around the beginning of October. Members can propose motions to the Assembly. As many as there is time for are then debated and, if passed, become party policy. Booklets are published of the motions passed.
At each Assembly there is at least one "commission". This is a less formal session which reviews the party's policy on a specific subject area. These less formal sessions help less confident members to contribute.
The Liberal Party has built links with many campaigning organisations and pressure groups. They are regularly given the opportunity to comment on our policies and to suggest improvements.
The Liberal Party has over forty elected local councillors. Councillors and candidates, although not bound to support and promote every item of policy, have an obligation (written into the Party's Constitution) to distinguish to the outside world between Party policy and their own views whenever they differ.
Every member receives Liberal News, the Party's official journal, eight times a year and this contains articles on policy matters as well as news of campaigns and other events.
Although the Liberal Party devotes a great deal of time and effort to translating the philosophy of Liberalism into practical policies, it is first and foremost a campaigning party. Clearly, a minor party cannot win and hold over forty local council seats (many more than the Greens) without a strong record of local action.
If you have been impressed by the ideas and principles set out in this Manifesto, we hope that you will consider taking things further and joining the Liberal Party. Whether your interest is in policy development or in campaigning we are keen to welcome you.
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