The massive financial crashes and the is it-isn't it Labour rebellion (Parliament resembles a chaotic kids party as everyone runs around looking for people 'in the know'), it's hard for the LibDems to get decent airtime covering their shindig in Bournemouth.
They've tried their best with their tax-cutting move - but it's a risky change in emphasis. The image of them as to the left of New Labour will be an enduring one and this change jars with that picture.
The story about Mark Littlewood and Adrian Sanders having a mini-scrap at the conference made me laugh. Littlewood has been omnipresent at proceedings, whether it's appearing on the Daily Politics show live from the Bournemouth International Centre or sat at the tables outside the Marriott hotel. Actually the weather was gorgeous while I was there so I don't blame him.
It's his report for his Liberal Vision organisation which was the root cause of the above dust-up. It claims 2 out 3 LibDem MPs could lose their seats because of the Cameron Effect. Scary stuff and I'll be blogging on it as soon as I finish reading the bar chart laden document.
One fringe drinks I attended covered the Next Generation programme. This is a Leadership Centre for Local Government initiative that picks about 20 Councillors from the three main parties each year to go through an 18 month course to develop the "professional, political and personal development" of the participants. It might sound like a factory for ambitious politicians. In reality, it means about 12 away days and a research project on local government.
One chosen councillor spoke to me engagingly about the upcoming course but it does sound like it moulds candidates into identikit politicians. This is a worry particularly because of the colourless view the public already has about national politicians. However, maybe I'm being unfair. I just don't know why "personal" development is involved in this course. The lady I spoke to was able to devote significantly more time to her council duties than those in full-time work. The three main parties love it but are those juggling work, family and council duties able to take up the same opportunities? I hope so.
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