Liberal Democrat conference: Three questions

The Liberal Democrats have been in the coalition government now for over two years. While they have achieved some of their key policy aims, such as implementing the pupil premium and raising the income tax threshold, there have been other well-publicised failures – such as the broken pledge on tuition fees and the collapse of House of Lords reform.

Before the next election, expected in 2015, there are more challenges ahead – not least differentiating their party from their coalition partners, the Conservatives, in the eyes of voters.

There is also the sticky question of leadership, after a number of polls showed that Nick Clegg’s popularity is on the wane.

Channel 4 News has been out into the conference halls meeting delegates, from top politicians to grassroots party faithful, to find out how the party feels about its future.

Lembit Opik

What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
I think the best thing is the pupil premium – it has the most capacity to really make a long-term difference. The worst is tuition fees.

Do you back Nick Clegg as party leader?
I think he should resign. He can’t be deputy prime minister and leader of the party. Lloyd George knew it. He needs to let go and if he tries to hold on, it will be worse. He will still lose and it will be a mess – he’ll be out by June 2014. [On replacements] The last thing any candidate would want is my support.

Who is the enemy?
In the words of Pogo from Waiting for Godot: “We have seen the enemy and they is us.” We are failing to differentiate ourselves. The Tories still look like Tories – but the problem is we now look like Tories.

Diana Coman, Lib Dem party member

What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
We have got some policies in place – but the big challenge is how we are talking about that. I think we need to work on how we are presenting this to the media and the public because it can be frustrating.

Do you back Nick Clegg as party leader?
He has handled a difficult job very well – I have absolutely no concerns about his leadership.

Who is the enemy?
Our problem is ourselves – we need to have more confidence to go out there and fight for what we stand for and not be ashamed.

Tom Feeley, Lib Dem party member

What are the best and worst things the Lib Dems have achieved in the coalition?
I think for me the best thing is the green new deal – I got involved with the party because of the green side of the Lib Dems and it is good that now we don’t just talk about but we are able to act in government. I think the worst is telling our story – we don’t get the coverage we deserve.

Do you back Nick Clegg as party leader?
I absolutely back Nick Clegg. I don’t know who these people are who don’t – I haven’t met them.

Who is the enemy?
For me, the Conservatives are the traditional enemy but I think that position has changed for the party – you can’t be enemies when you are in coalition.