Has Brexit saved the Lib Dems?
The Lib Dems have made an extraordinary comeback in 2019 because of their anti-Brexit stance. The Observer political editor, Toby Helm, discusses whether the party is here to stay. And: Oliver Wainwright on the inclusion of social housing in this year’s Stirling architecture prize
The Liberal Democrats have spent most of this decade paying the electoral price for the coalition of 2010-15. The party plummeted from 57 MPs to a mere eight. Under Tim Farron and Vince Cable, the party was no longer preparing for government, but for possible extinction. Yet Brexit, along with Tory and Labour divisions on the issue, has driven a Lib Dem revival.
Toby Helm, the Observer political editor, discusses with Anushka Asthana the rise and fall and rise again of the Liberal Democrat party. Next week, the Lib Dems will also choose a new leader. Toby and Anushka discuss the candidate options of Jo Swinson and Ed Davey and how they can capitalise on this wave of remainer support.