Lib Dem Manifesto Committee - names released

[miss_s_b]

The full membership of the committee tasked with building the next Lib Dem manifesto is:

• David Laws MP, Chair
• Sharon Bowles MEP, Vice-Chair
• Duncan Brack, Vice-Chair (FPC Vice-Chair)
• Nick Clegg MP (Leader, FPC Member)
• Tim Farron MP (President, FPC Member)
• Duncan Hames MP (FPC Chair)
• Cllr Dr Julie Smith (FPC Vice-Chair)
• Dr Julian Huppert MP (FPC Vice-Chair)
• Jenny Willott MP (FPC Member)
• Baroness Sal Brinton (FPC Member)
• Jo Swinson MP
• Lord John Shipley

At first glance this lacks diversity in a couple of concerning areas. First, it's almost entirely made up of parliamentarians. Second, it's all white, very testosterone-laden, and skews somewhat to the right of the party. Third, there's a few too many of the religious types on there for my liking.

I shall be watching developments with interest. And, once more, pinning a lot of hope on Julian Huppert to bring sanity and to prevent the jerky knee tendency of some of those names...

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

'a few too many of the religious types on there...'

Are there? Genuinely curious - apart from Farron (who I think was an obvious pick anyway) I can't say that anyone jumps out as being religious at all. Then again, as a theist I'm probably oblivious.

I certainly agree that it's nice to see Julian Huppert on the group.

Nonny Mouse.

[miss_s_b]

Sal Brinton was the one that leapt out at me. More worried about her views than Tim's.

[moonhot97]

First, it's entirely made up of parliamentarians.

And current ones at that. Lembit would have been welcome.

very testosterone-laden

Indeed. Why no Baroness Sarah Ludford?

[(Anonymous)]

Hang on a minute, Julie Smith, a parliamentarian? She'd make a good one, I'm sure, but she isn't one yet...

Hon. Lady Mark

[miss_s_b]

Bah. I did actually believe I had an almost in there. edited in now.

[(Anonymous)]

And nor is Duncan Brack...

[miss_s_b]

Yes all right. Bloody pedant :p

It's a good job there's no violence inherent in MY system...

[rmc28]

Julie Smith is also from Cambridge & a good egg ( we were talking about your federal committees questions last week). I liked what both Jo Swinson & Sharon Bowles had to say in speeches to conference. 7:5 m:f ratio isn't too shabby. Swap one man out for a woman & we're there. Party game: who would you swap out & for whom

[miss_s_b]

Duncan Hames for someone northern and female and not an MP. Probably someone like Jeanette or Elizabeth.