Federal Executive Committee

PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BALLOT PAPER CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU VOTE

This booklet contains election statements provided by the 36 candidates for the Federal Executive Committee. A panel of 15 is to be elected.

Please read the enclosed information before casting your vote.

Any questions about the ballot should be addressed in writing to:

David Allworthy, Head of Compliance and Constitutional Support, Liberal Democrats HQ, 2nd Floor, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE, or by email at returning.officer@libdems.org.uk

MANIFESTO BOOKLET

C3164_P2

Federal Executive Committee Remit and Attendance List

The Federal Executive is responsible for directing, co-ordinating and implementing the work of the Federal Party, including overall strategy, campaigning, organisation and staffing. The Federal Finance and Administration Committee, Campaigns and Communications Committee and International Relations Committee all report to the FE.

The FE has 29 voting members: the Party President (who is the chair) and three Vice Presidents; the Leader and two other MP’s; one peer; one MEP; two councillors; three state party reps; and fifteen members directly elected by conference reps.

Opposite is the attendance list for the last two years.

FE Attendance 2010-2012

There were 12 FE meetings in 2010-2012. The following table shows the number of meetings members attended, and the total number which they could have:

* Erlend Watson replaced James Graham with three meetings left to attend.

NameNumber of meetings attended

Number of meetings during

their term of office

Qassim Afzal 10 10

Elaine Bagshaw 8 10

Ramesh Dewan 9 10

Sue Doughty 8 10

James Gurling 10 10

Evan Harris 9 10

Susan Juned 8 10

Gordon Lishman 10 10

Candy Piercy 6 10

David Rendel 10 10

Jo Shaw 9 10

Gerald Vernon-Jackson 6 10

Erlend Watson * 3 3

Chris White 9 10

David Williams 9 10

He campaigns on environmentalissues and disability matters (hehas Multiple Sclerosis). Robert isexperienced as a public speaker, inusing inter-personal skills and inteam-building.

Robert lives in Yorkshire with his wife,Eileen. He has 2 adult daughters from hisfirst marriage. He trained civil servantsand emergency service personnel, hasproduced award-winning videos, is theauthor of many training books, and helpedin the development of an internationallyacclaimed model for inter-personal skills training.Politically he has been a candidate for Europe andWestminster and in local elections.

Robert Adamson 1

Re-Elect (Kas) Qassim AFZAL Vote No. ONE

Vote AFZAL No. 1 please

Contact: qassim.afzal@ntlworld.com & mobile: 07956 87 30 46

PoliticianBusinessmanConsultantTV presenterLecturerMentor

For the record

PPC Kas on the campaign trail

picks up daughter Zaynab from

School

Elected in Manchester in 1998 with a 32 % Swing (the biggest in the UK) Fought ten council elections Fought two Euro elections Fought three Parliamentary elections Highest vote against Gerald Kaufman MP

Member of Advisory Board of Grassroutes to Government network

Member of PCA Executive

Qassim is well-connected inside and outside the party and has a well-earned reputation for his committed activism for thirty years, he has combined his business career with a wide range of voluntary work.

He is the chief executive of a marketing company that helps clients deliver economic development initiatives in the UK and internationally.

PARTY Qassim currently serves on the FE, FCC and the International Relations Committee. He is also a member of the DCMS committee. He was elected to the Interim Peers panel, acted as chair of Manchester City Liberal Democrats, the LGA and the NW Development Agency.

Qassim promises to continue working hard for members at every level within the party and thanks those who have voted for him. His nominators include Gordon Birtwhistle MP, Stephen Lloyd MP, Greg Mulholland MP and David Ward MP

In my two years on the Federal Executive I havefocused on improving the support the partyprovides to internal organisations such as LiberalYouth. This resulted in the first meeting of all our SAOsand AOs at conference, where they were able tonetwork and raise a number of issues that will now befed back to HQ and the Federal Executive.

I have proven that I can deliver whilst on the Federal Executive, and I am asking for yoursupport to carry on this work for another 2 years.

I believe the party faces three key challenges over the next two years:

1) Membership: Our numbers have fallen since we entered coalition. If re-electedto the Federal Executive I will challenge the party's management on how this is beingaddressed, including whether the state parties are getting the support they need to helpus recruit and keep our members.

2) Capacity: We need to increase the campaigning and fundraising capacity ofour local parties. This shouldn't just be focused on target seats or wards. I will work tomake sure we are putting appropriate resource into this area and that we are listening tolocal parties on what they need.

3) Communication: Whilst our communication has improved since we enteredcoalition, we could still do better. I will ensure that our internal communications areconsistently reviewed and improved, and scrutinise our media narrative and strategy.

I will use my experience both as the current Chair of Tower Hamlets local party, and as aformer national Chair of Liberal Youth, to scrutinise decisions in the party and ensure weare building the party and moving forward.

Please give me your FIRST preference so that I can continue my work on FE.

Re-elect

Elaine Bagshawto Federal ExecutiveExperience. Action. Commitment.

Prue Bray

Vote Prue BRAYfor Federal Executive

1Supported by Grassroutes to Government (www.libdemg2g.net), a new network ofgrassroots activists dedicated to developing better communications with the party’ssenior management and our parliamentarians.

EEmail: prue@brayjc.plus.com Mobile: 07798 694 737

A strong voice for the grassroots

Prue Bray is Leader ofthe Lib Dem Group onWokingham BoroughCouncil. She stoodagainst John Redwoodin the 2005 and 2010General Elections.

She is a foundermember of Grassroutesto Government, anetwork of activistsdedicated to improvingcommunicationbetween the grassrootsand the centre of theparty.

Dear Colleague,We knew being part of a Coalition Governmentwould be tough, and it is. The stresses andstrains on the party are huge. At a time whenmany party members are concerned aboutdirection and policy, little resource is availablefor communication with party members. Adisconnect is developing between the centre ofthe party and grassroots activists. Withoutgrassroots activists we won’t have a party.I’m standing for Federal Executive because Iwant the party to:▪ improve internal communication and the

response to contact from members▪ consult more with grassroots members▪ benefit from utilising the knowledge and

experience of grassroots membersIf that’s what you want too, please use yourvote to help elect me to Federal Executive.

Prue Bray

If you have any questions please contact me on: kris.castle@hotmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/castle.kris 07958 789 163

If elected I would bring the following skills/experience to the Federal Executive: - Experience in working at Board level with large, complex organisations

(including not-for-profits, consortia and mutuals) in scrutinised, secure and regulated environments where transparency and accountability are key

- A professional background in strategy creation, target state blue-print design and transformational communications; creating a tangible vision for the future

- Experience in cross-functional policy and operational solution development in both public and private sector; ensuring a vision will work in reality

- Strengths in stakeholder identification and engagement, including active listening - Experience as a business design and corporate governance authority; ensuring

that an organisation’s business is conducted in accordance with external constraints, best practise and local policy

- The ability to act as a constructive but critical friend at the highest levels; willing and able to speak up where necessary, even in difficult circumstances

-

“He ure”

This is my first foray into Federal committee elections and I admit that not so long ago I had little interest in politics but, since discovering the Liberal Democrats just over 4 years ago, I have become an Activist, Constituency Officer and Local Councillor with a keen interest in policy development and campaigning.

My professional life has proved a useful foundation as I help organisations define themselves in terms of brand, core values, offerings and policies; ensuring they ask and answer the right questions to make sure they are true to themselves and both relevant and compelling in their sector. I work with organisations of all sizes drawing up blueprints for their future and agreeing the steps to take them there.

Having lived and worked across the UK and abroad I am now based in Somerset and believe it is essential for regions to be actively represented at Federal level.

Kristin (Kris) Castle

Fo

If you have any questions please contact me on:kris.castle@hotmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/castle.kris07958 789 163

If elected I would bring the following skills/experience to the Federal Executive:- Experience in working at Board level with large, complex organisations

(including not-for-profits, consortia and mutuals) in scrutinised, secure and regulated environments where transparency and accountability are key

- A professional background in strategy creation, target state blue-print design and transformational communications; creating a tangible vision for the future

- Experience in cross-functional policy and operational solution development inboth public and private sector; ensuring a vision will work in reality

- Strengths in stakeholder identification and engagement, including active listening- Experience as a business design and corporate governance authority; ensuring

that an organisation’s business is conducted in accordance with external constraints, best practise and local policy

- The ability to act as a constructive but critical friend at the highest levels; willing and able to speak up where necessary, even in difficult circumstances

“He ure”

This is my first foray into Federal committee elections and I admit that not so long ago I had little interest in politics but, since discovering the Liberal Democrats just over 4 years ago, I have become an Activist, Constituency Officer and Local Councillor with a keen interest in policy development and campaigning.

My professional life has proved a useful foundation as I help organisations define themselves in terms of brand, core values, offerings and policies; ensuring they ask and answer the right questions to make sure they are true to themselves and both relevant and compelling in their sector. I work with organisations of all sizes drawing up blueprints for their future and agreeing the steps to take them there.

Having lived and worked across the UK and abroad I am now based in Somerset and believe it is essential for regions to be actively represented at Federal level.

Kristin (Kris) Castle

Fo

Str

MY PRIORITIES:

1. IMPROVE DIVERSITY through practical solutions including email

reminders to committees & local parties to improve diversity at key points in the electoral and party calendar

2. Scrutinise plans to STREAMLINE MEMBERSHIP SERVICES to ensure they meet the needs of local parties & membership officers

3. Encourage HQ to IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF COMMUNICATIONS building on the increased volume

4. UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL OF ALL LOCAL PARTIES with small but catalytic campaign support

5. HARNESS MEMBERS’ EXPERTISE for policy-making between conferences, through democratic and transparent mechanisms

DAISY COOPER Championing members’ needs

MY TRACK RECORD: 8% swing (against 1% national average) as 2010 Parliamentary

Candidate for Suffolk Coastal, moving from 3rd to a strong 2nd place

Led Suffolk Coastal to win 2010 Penhaligon Award for membership

Strategic planning professional & thinktank Director

TWITTER: @libdemdaisy EMAIL: daisy_cooper@live.co.uk

Please give me your 1st preference vote!

COOPER, DAISY 1

A  voice  for  tomorrow,  today    To  survive  as  a  party  we  must  recruit  a  new  genera3on  of  Liberal  Democrats.    From  my  3me  as  Regional  Youth  Spokesperson  in  Western  Coun5es,  to  the  present  as  Chair  of  London  Liberal  Youth  I  have  dedicated  my  efforts  to  building  the  future  of  the  party.      But  in  order  to  ensure  our  survival  as  a  party  I  now  believe  we  must  adapt  and  innovate  what  it  means  to  be  a  member.    In  the  face  of  declining  interest  in  poli3cal  par3es  we  have  to  find  new  ways  to  market  ourselves:  opening  up  the  party  and  a;rac5ng  new  members  from  a  wider  pool  of  people:  younger,  more  diverse  and  more  representa5ve.

     

Find  out  more:  

I  want  us  to  build  stronger  links  with  chari5es  and  other  organiza3ons  who  can  not  only  contribute  to  our  thinking,  but  act  as  an  example  of  how  we  can  adapt  and  recruit  new  members.    I  want  every  part  of  the  party  (local  par3es  to  regions  to  HQ)  to  be  more  focused  on  engaging  local  communi5es  and  making  sure  the  liberal-­‐minded  are  Liberal  Democrats.    Judge  me  by  my  track  record  with  Cotswolds  Lib  Dems  (best  local  elec3on  results  in  2011),  with  Liberal  Youth  &  with  London  Liberal  Democrats  and  if  you  think  I  will  bring  new  ideas  and  new  energy  to  Federal  Execu5ve  then  please  lend  me  one  of  your  votes.    

Get  in  touch  to  find  out  more:  sean.davey@cotswoldslibdems.org.uk  

Jonathan Davies 1

I combine national, regional and local experience. Chair of the

English Party 2010-11 and Treasurer 2006-09

Member of FFAC London Region

Chair, 1993-5 and 2002-4

Candidate at 1997 and 2005 General Elections

Barnet Councillor, 1994-8

Agent at Local and General Elections

Past Local Party Chair and current Membership Development Officer

By the time this FE’s term of office ends, the Party must be ready for the General Election Campaign which will then be less than six months away. The job of the FE is therefore simply to get us ready for the next General Election. We must continue to give high priority

to encouraging and supporting our members—they are our greatest resource—and to membership recruitment

Now that we have begun selecting Parliamentary candidates, we must make sure our top seats have agents and organisers in place, and that they are well trained and supported from the centre

The voluntary Party must be supported with high quality campaign materials in good time, so the Party’s ground war and air war work together

Everything Party HQ does must be tested against the question—will this help us win more seats at the next election

Our messages must trumpet our achievements in Government and give the electorate a reason to want to vote for us for the future.

Please Re-elect

SUE DOUGHTY for Federal Executive

With extensive experience at all levels of the party working not only to get elected but also in supporting party members I bring a unique skill set to the Federal Executive.

If elected I will continue to:

Work towards making the Lib Dem party in our Parliament more diverse and more representative

Work with party organisations to ensure that the are getting the support from the FE which they need

Represent the grass roots of the party at FE meetings with our Parliamentary leaders acting as a ‘critical friend’

Ensure that the decisions of FE are relevant to members across the country

Do all I can to recognise the contribution which party members make, especially those seeking election at every level

Play my part in ensuring that during difficult times resources are used wisely and that duplication and waste is avoided sue@suedoughty.plus.com twitter: @sue_doughty

NEVILLE FARMERYOUR NUMBER 1 CHOICE FOR

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE 2013/4

WHO AM I?My name is Neville Farmer.I am a writer, a producer ofaward-winning televisionprogrammes and a dedicatedSocial Liberal Democrat. Inmy years in the party, I havestood for council in Westmin-ster and for Parliament inWyre Forest, where I amcurrently local party Chair. Iam on the PCA executive andam Vice Chair of the ChineseLiberal Democrats. I am asupporter of the SocialLiberal Forum and was afounder member of GrassRoutes To Government.

WHERE I STANDI voted for the coalition andremain committed to it. However, I have beenoutspoken about our partyleadership’s failure to stateour case in government; tosay where we stand in theface of some dreadfulpolicies from the other sideof government. I am dedicated to theprotection and promotion ofcivil and human rights,positive internationalism,tolerance and fairness. That,to me, is the essence ofLiberal Democracy.

The Liberal Democrats still have to prove to the British electoratethat we are a party of government. I am a communicator by tradeand believe it’s time the party got its message across. I want tobring fresh thinking and strength of character to the party, so wecan stand tall in the face of our opponents and the challengesahead. Yet, without our party base, there is no party. I want to help thewider membership across Britain re-connect with the party leader-ship. It is my aim to rebuild that community spirit and to ensurethat we don’t squander the massive array of talents we have acrossthe party.

Contact: m:07966 150444 e:nevillefarmer@aol.com Elect Neville Farmer @nevillefarmer

NMF.FE.2012

INSIDE the party

President, West MidlandsLiberal Democrats

FE Rep to DiversityEngagement Group

OUTSIDE the party

President, The YoungProgramme

Writer; retired producerand broadcaster

I’ve been around the party for much longer than I’m prepared to admit butI’ve seen eight leaders come and go so that might offer a clue to the curious.Throughout my membership, I seem to have spent most of my time withsleeves rolled up helping in one campaign or another, shoring up ailing localparties, recruiting new members, finding new committee members andpress-ganging innocents to get involved. I’ve served at every level from wardcommittee through to the Federal Executive. When I was chair of the PCA, Ilaunched now approaching its eighthedition and produced, for heaven’s sake, as an e-book!

or

edition and produced, for heaven’s sake, as an e-book!edition and produced, for heaven’s sake, as an e-book!edition and produced, for heaven’s sake, as an e-book!

What hasn’t changed much over the years is the difficulty the party seems tohave in talking to itself. This is exacerbated by the Coalition and it’s clear wenow have a serious problem with two-way communication. That especiallygrates on me (having been a journalist and BBC executive) and it’s why Ihelped to form , an activists’ network committedto improving matters. Since our launch in May, we have been gatheringmembership from across the party and I think senior figures have got themessage. They have certainly started listening. A seat on FE would helpstrengthen the message and I invite your first-preference vote to ensure ahappy outcome from the dialogue.

Sarah Green #1

Sarah’s Experience

● Experiencedparliamentary candidatehaving stood twice

● Member and campaignerfor over 8 years

● Party Trainer atconferences and with oursister parties abroad

● Member of the DefencePolicy Working Group

It has never been more importantto have engaged, fair-mindedmembers on the FederalExecutive.

The best members scrutinise andhold the leadership to accountwithout being awkward just for thesake of it.

Sarah believes she has the rightoutlook, values and skills to jointheir ranks.

“Sarah isfair-mindedand unafraidto ask thedifficultquestions.”

Nominated by:Mark Williams MP &Lord Roger Roberts

Sarah Green #1

What have I done so far?

Elected by the FE to Chair the Campaigns & Communications Committee to oversee preparations for the General Election

Conducted in depth reviews into every set of elections since 2010 to identify campaigning capacity and successes

Held a conference consultative session for Party members on 2011 local elections and AV referendum campaign

Overseen the introduction of ‘Connect’ as a key means to help modernise our campaigning capability and supported the ‘dragons den’ approach to identifying strategic seats

Elected by FE to the FCC, I have given my full support to the conference team Chairing and Aiding at each Party conference

Helped introduce new internal regulations in light of 2010 Equalities Act

What will I do next?

Ensure the hard lessons since 2010 are acted on

Seek to extend the range of campaign applications available via Connect and widen the trained base of users

Promote a modern Party capable of appealing to a wider membership base

Continue to ensure our campaigning priorities meet the needs of the wider Party by helping to join up English Party, Local campaigners and federal strategies.

About me:

Councillor in Southwark 1998-2010 gaining ward from Labour and retaining it twice with increased majorities

HQ General Election team member 2010, 2005, 2001 & 1997

Leadership election Agent to Charles Kennedy and, over time, local election agent in Hull, Wandsworth & Southwark, and parliamentary agent to Jenny Tonge (‘92)

Member of ALDC, PCA, ALDES, ALDTU, Lib Dem History Group

Founder of original Centre for Reform and past Editor of The Reformer

Director of an independent Communications consultancy

Nominators:Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP Rt Hon Simon Hughes MP

Questions?Drop me an email at jgurling@btinternet.com

Conference marked the start of our 2015 General Election campaign. But there are important elections ahead. Acting on lessons learned since 2010 must be our campaigning priority.

GURLING 1

JAMES GURLING

RE-ELECT

1

1 - David Hall-Matthews

David Hall-Matthews - 1

About David:Dr David Hall-Matthews has beenChair of the SocialLiberal Forum since2009. In that time, SLFhas become aninfluential voice forfairness anddemocracy within andbeyond the party.

David has served onfive Policy WorkingGroups, most recentlychairing on Inequality.One welfarecampaigner declared:"This policy paper isfar more radical andimpressive thatanything Labourhave ever thought of- and the Tories justaren't interested."

David runs a globaltransparencycampaign, with afantastic trackrecord of successfuladvocacy andfundraising.

Fellow Liberal Democrat,As Chair of the

Social Liberal Forumfor the last three years,I have been givenmany opportunities tocriticise our party - inthe press, on television and inconversations with think-tanks and

progressive campaigners.

I have always refused to do so.

I am still proud to be a LiberalDemocrat and my main concern is for

us to improve our chances in future

elections at all levels.

To do that, we are going to need a

much smarter strategy. It isn't easy to

promote ourselves as a radical,distinctive, independent party, while

governing in coalition. But it ispossible.

Please give me your first preference

vote so that I can help to win backsome of our voters and proclaim our

proud Liberal Democrat identity.

David Hall-Matthews

www.fran

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Antony Hook’s Record of Action

Vice-Chair of the South East Region, activelysupporting local parties of every type,

Chair of the South East European Campaign -getting us ready to win in 2014, raising moremoney than ever before at this stage,

Summating for the 20’s Plenty (saving lives onthe road) motion at conference,

2009 Euro Candidate (South East) and 2005,2001 PPC (won best swing in Kent both times).

Antony Hook’s Priorities for the FE

Bring a real understanding of how things are forour Local Parties,

Keep Europe on the agenda as an important partof our party strategy at all times,

Delegate more of the FE’s work to capable sub-committees so things get done - it is unacceptablethat the FE regularly does not complete its agenda,

Extra support for talented candidates of everybackground, especially bringing in more peoplewith careers outside of politics.

Strong role for the English Regional Parties.

www.antonyhook.comantony@antonyhook.com

Tel. 0796736099

Three reasons to votefor Keith House -A first preference for campaigningKeith House has 30 years of campaign experience. He leadsEastleigh’s campaigning each year and understands how importantdeveloping and delivering a clear strong message is to winning.A first preference for liberal valuesThe Liberal Democrats must have a core message that standsapart from the coalition. Social justice, progressive values and reallocalism remain our unique selling points. We must make that case,show how we deliver our values in government, and how electingmore Lib Dems will make Britain a fairer and greener place.A first preference for party organisationWe must plan for the General Election now. Elections in 2013 and2014 are critical staging posts. We must gain seats not lose them inthese local elections. That means having confidence in ourcampaigns and being robustwith both Conservatives andLabour to make our case.That has to be a national as wellas local message.

Keith House

Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918

e-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.com

Experience that counts

Local...Leader of Lib Dem runEastleigh BoroughCouncil since 1994 -taking the party intopower and keeping itthere and still, after 18years, gaining seatsfrom both other parties.

...and moreLGA Lib Dem lead onEnvironment &Housing. Leading theLib Dems onHampshire CountyCouncil to win in 2013.

Our Party

Elected member ofFederal Executive.Former Lib DemFederal Partymembership andfundraising director.Regular speaker atlocal and regionalevents advising oncampaigning andmotivation. Where webelieve we can win, wewin. Belief matters.

“The General Election isclose. All our energy needsto be on building the party towin seats and votes in 2015 -or sooner.This year’s Party electionsmatter. We must sharpen ourmessage as the only liberalparty, based on liberal values.We must sharpen ourcampaigning, holding theConservatives to account ,never letting Labour off thehook and demonstrating thatLib Dems have made adifference in Government.I hope you will support me withyour first preference vote.”

Keith HOUSE 1

Dr Susan Juned Former Council Leader and

Group Leader District Councillor with over

twenty years experience andCounty Councillor 1991 - 2001

Local Party Executive Chair -where the party is still gainingseats

Parliamentary candidate in threeGeneral Elections and twoEuropean elections

Federal Executive member since2010

Experience of running successfulorganisations and settingstrategic directions.

Experience that counts

Liberal Values - our party has a strongcore set of values and ideas that makeus distinctive. In 2015 we need to showthat we have made a difference.Party Organisation - we need toinvest in our staff and members. Thetalents in the Party need to beharnessed. Limited money meansvalue for money is important to ourorganisation.Campaigning - integrate council andparliamentary campaigns closely todeliver social justice, localism and agreen economy.

My priorities

SUSAN JUNED 1

Other experienceScientist and business woman whoworks with universities to disseminateresearch results. Specialises inenvironment management, sustainabledevelopment and renewable energy.Voted a West Midlands Green Leaderin 2010. Founder and Director of anenergy efficiency advice charity. Activecontributor to the Party’s environmentand energy policies.

Contact me on 07980 803088susan.juned@greenwatt.co.uk

Dear colleagues, the Party is inbetter shape than in 2010 - but it canget even better. I want the FE tocommunicate better with membersand council leaders and build ourstrengths before 2015, setting cleargoals and targets. To do this - I needyour first preferences.

Dear Fellow Liberal Democrat

The Federal Executive you are electing should be overseeing negotiations for thesecond half of this Parliament while examining comprehensive proposals for how wedecouple ourselves from the Coalition in order to fight the General Election as anIndependent force in British politics.

The Independent has exposed that there is a group involving some of our membersof Government, special advisors and others in the Party with opposite numbers fromthe Conservative party planning to continue the coalition beyond 2015 even if Labourwins the most seats.

I remain a supporter of Coalition as a means of placing Liberal Democrat policy at theheart of solutions to our continuing state of national economic emergency. But Ibelieve that FE is the proper body to take firm control of these importantarrangements, reporting openly to Conference and the wider Party.

FE should also ensure that the party and its experienced activists are involved inpublic consultation over and campaigns leading up to the important milestones on theway to 2015 such as Budgets, Spending Statements, Local and Euro Elections.

I remain convinced of the need in British politics for a vibrant and independent cam-paigning force sustaining the values and principles listed on the back of ourmembership cards.

A vote for me is a vote for open governance within and the survival of a strong andindependent party of Liberal Democrats.

Bill le Breton is a former council leader and sometime Chair of ALDC. He was amember of the 1997 and 2001 General Election Teams. He writes regularly forLiberator and Liberal Democrat Voice.

Contact him at andemos@btinternet.com or 07734 051821.

Bill le Breton asks...“It’s our Party,shouldn’t we knowwhat’s going on?”

BILL LE BRETON 1

As Scottish Campaigns & Candidates Convener from 2005-07, Ihelped take the Party to its highest point. We now face a morechallenging situation and I believe I have the skills andexperience to contribute to our recovery.

I am not afraid to challenge leaders when I think they need it,and always work constructively to shape a winning strategy. Iwear my heart on my blog, so please read that to see my visionand ideas in greater detail.

Get the word out: Making sureactivists have the right supportand material to take on thedoorsteps so they can confidentlyanswer voters’ concerns.Win over old and new voters:We can’t just dismiss the votersand members who have left ussince 2010. We need to showthem that our ministers haveachieved things they like as wellas reaching people who haven’tvoted for us before.Make the right choices:Conference decisions and partypolicy must be taken seriously.

Caron’s priorities

Make sure no part of thecountry is forgotten whendeveloping strategy:Our message must be asrelevant and radical inChesterfield, Aberystwyth andAberdeen as it is in Truro, Bathand Carshalton.

Caron has nearly 30 years’campaign experience at local andnational levels and currently livesnear Edinburgh.

Caron writes a popular and well-regarded blog, Caron’s Musings.

I need your first preference to standa chance of getting elected. It reallycould make all the difference.

Please contact me if you haveanything you want to ask me.

07946 169798@caronmlindsayfacebook.com/caronlindsay

caronmlindsay@gmail.com

http://carons-musings.blogspot.com

Any questions for Caron?

CARON LINDSAY...a calm and experienced voice for FE

Contact Gordon at: gordon@lishman.co.uk or 07778 271177 “I don’t promise to agree with you,

but I’ll tell you what I think”!

Gordon Lishman 1 for FE

Gordon Lishman A Record of Action; A Promise of More!

Party Democracy and Strategy:

* Campaigned for the Leader to be directly-elected by members * Wrote 1970 Community Poli-tics motion and “Theory & Prac-tice of Community Politics” (with B Greaves) * Fought for the Party to have a say in the General Election Manifesto * Proposed the “Triple Lock” as the Party’s guarantee of no coa-lition without party backing *Proposed 2011 Conference Strategy Resolution on no pre-election pacts * Strongest voice on FE FOR fighting PCC elections * FE member leading support for AOs and SAOs * Demanded FE debate on dan-ger of Iran war (answers unsatis-factory—so far) Gordon has been there, when it really mattered, fighting effectively for Party Democracy.

A Life in Liberalism....... (50 years next March) Now: FE member New elected member of SLF Council Agent, Briercliffe ward & parish from 1985 - lost only once (in BNP surge; regained at first opportunity) Chair, Burnley Local Party President, North West Party Earlier: (a selection) Leader, balance of power Group, Northamptonshire CC Founder member, ALC; later President; founding chair, ALDC Editor: Liberator, New Outlook Chair, Human Rights Committee, Liberal International Parliamentary and Euro candidate

..and in the wider world Doting husband (of Maggie - deputy leader, Burnley LD Group), father and now grandfather of 5. Formerly Director General, Age Concern. Advised governments in the UK and worldwide on pensions, health and social care, equalities, human rights. Strong links in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland on ageing policies.

P.S. Apologies for lack of photo and publish-ing skill - PC blew up, so had to borrow one!

ActivistCouncillor

Campaigner

FocusFederal Executive

Joe Otten for FE

While supporting the coalition, Iam convinced we must pull nopunches in opposing theConservatives at the EuropeanElections in 2014. We arefighting for British interests andinfluence in Europe and they are

choosing isolation andirrelevance.

This is a critical challenge weneed to be ready for, andnothing will be achieved by softpedalling our message.

Ready for the Challenge

jowotx@gmail.comTwitter: @ExtraBoldjoeotten.blogspot.comfacebook.com/joe.otten.fe

Active, experienced localcampaigner to ensure FE iswell connected to campaignson the ground

Chair of Sheffield Hallam2010-12, winning all wards in2012

Councillor and ShadowCabinet in Sheffield

Long-suffering Connect user

Connect has hugepotential, but the projectneeds to refocus onusability and getting thebasics right abovewhizzy features.

Connect

Candy PiercyA strong, respected and independent voice

Speaking upfor all Lib Demmembers

Candy Piercy knows how to getthings done in the Lib Dems. Herexperience as a campaigner,agent and trainer means sheknows how the Party works.She is a strong and independentvoice on the FE. She takes a clearand measured view of each issue,before deciding on its merits.Candy is now re-standing for anotherterm on the FE. Her politicalexperience and practical knowledgeof business and organisation havebeen highly valued in this role.One of Candy’s key priorities is to getmore women and members of ethnicminorities elected to Westminster, tothe Scottish Parliament and to theWelsh Assembly.As a trainer she meets members fromevery part of the country - and listensto what they have to say. She wantsmore help and support for allconstituencies at grassroots level.

Top Lib Dem campaigner, trainer andmentor.

Has been President of the Agents andOrganisers Association, and VicePresident of Liberal Youth.

Editor and co-author of the GeneralElection Agent's Manual.

The driving force behind the highlysuccessful Campaign for GenderBalance (previously GBTF) trainingprogramme.

Founding director of a successfulcommercial training company.

Has trained in more than 30 developingdemocracies around the world.

Speaking upfor all Lib Dem

been highly valued in this role.One of Candy’s key priorities is to getmore women and members of ethnicminorities elected to Westminster, tothe Scottish Parliament and to the

As a trainer she meets members fromevery part of the country - and listensto what they have to say. She wantsmore help and support for allconstituencies at grassroots level.

DavidRendel

vision

commitmentA well-knowncampaigner who hassupported Lib Demcandidates in every partof the country - fromInverness to Cornwall.David has always beenstrongly committed togreater involvement inthe party by women andall minority groups.

experience

To prosper in 2015, we need to make the coalition a success. We must continue todifferentiate ourselves from the Tories. We must prioritise growth to restore businessconfidence in the economy and to reduce the deficit as quickly as possible.We must never become alternative Tories. We are the alternative to the Tories.More than ever before we need to inspire people, especially the young, with our idealsof fairness, justice and democracy.

Tel: 07770 821112email: davidrendel@btinternet.com

1

MP for Newbury: 1993- 2005: Party Spokesperson onHousing, Local Government, Social Security & HigherEducation - thankfully not all at the same time!

Local Councillor: 1987-1995 & 2007 onwards(currently opposition finance spokesperson)

Member of the SLF, Green Liberal Democrats, LiberalDemocrats for Electoral Reform, LGBT+, ALDC andthe PCA.

Directly elected member of the FE since 2005, and astrong, independent voice for the members.

Jo Shaw#1 Federal ExecutiveJo Shaw brings strategic vision,experience and an emphasis onour values to the Federal Executive.

Vote for FE

3 reasons to re-elect Jo Shaw1

2

3

ExperienceExecutive Director of a charitable fund12 years working as a barristerLiberty board memberFounder of the Lib Dem Women’s Network

Standing up for our values within the coalition - likeopposing secret courts at Autumn Conference 2012.

Championing diversity in our candidates and our party-behind the formation of a strategic working group onwomen in the party. Member of committee setting rules forcandidate approval and selection for two years.

Re-elect

Keeping in touch with Lib Dems viasocial media / email - consulting andchampioning issues members want raised.

Jo Shaw has a strong trackrecord of delivering on FE, shehasn’t just sat on the committeeto make up the numbers. Values-driven

camdenjo @_joshaw

Jo SHAW 1

ExperiencedJo is nota run-of-the-mill

candidateand thiscomes a

poorthirdplace.

My Experience I was a target seat

organiser

I have been a Councillor ina LD Administration

I served on the ALDCManagement Committee

Successfully self employedbusiness owner.

Treat the staff better, win more elections.There will be a lot of Federal Executivecandidates who have high flown opinionsabout the Coalition and how the party needsto approach the next General Election. SoI’m standing on two slightly less appreciatedbut equally important points:

1) The party does not have a good record asan employer. Every year the party has highturnover amongst constituency staff,organisers and HQ staff. We consistentlylose a huge amount of collective experience,the goodwill of existing staff and have tomeet the expense of training new ones. TheFederal Party must do more to ensurea more formalised career structure,better pay and improved conditions.

2) There seems to be an attitude in thehigher echelons of the party that we existsimply to fight Parliamentary elections. Local

government seems to be regarded assomething of a poor mans alternative.

The Federal Party needs to start thinking oflocal government as an honourable pursuit inits own right, and one that sometimes mighthave to take primacy overWestminster issues if we are to deliverLiberal Democrat principles on theground.

If you elect me to the Federal Executive thenI will work to right these two wrongs. I willpush the party to reap the benefits ofhaving a happy and well engaged staff,and to start taking local governmentseriously again.

Dr. Adrian Smith forFederal Executive

E:cllrsmith@gmail.com T: @lovejoyantiques or find me on

#1

Please Vote Adrian Smith

1

JOHN SMITHSON

... for a dynamic, radical approach

Your No. 1 choice ...

The party lacks an effectivestrategy for the future

It lacks punch andconsistency in its tactics

It is failing to get itsmessage across to thepeople

This needs to be addressed

35 years a councillor, DeputyLeader of Kirklees Council (population400,000) for six years (2000 - 2006)

Key negotiator in achieving Liberal Democrat aims in acoalition/minority administration

Currently Treasurer (and former chair) of the Yorkshire & theHumber Region

Who I am:

Comments from supporters:Lord (Tony) Greaves

A strong direct leader who understands what’s neededCllr Kath PinnockExactly who we need, has vast experience of making a coalition workCllr Jeanette Sunderland (Chair Yorkshire & the Humber Region)

A well organised, tenacious & forthright activistLord (William) Wallace

A strong & very experienced strategic & tactical thinker

Tom Stubbs

Accountable, Involving and Experienced

Contact Details

Mob: 07973 566325

Email: tomstubbs@live.com

Twitter: @tomstubbs

Linkedin: Search Tom Stubbs

Dear Friend,

I have been a member of our party for over ten years.Having served on local party executives, regionalexecutives, and the NUS National ExecutiveCommittee, I know when organisations are workingwell, and when they are not. As a councillor, I knowhow much this matters.

Our party is at a turning point

We need to invest and build our capacity, take actionon our falling membership base, and use ourexperience in local, national, and the UK-widegovernment to our advantage. We need to reach outto people we have lost.

We can be the change

I want to use my experience to make these thingshappen. I want to make sure the membershipunderstands what the Federal Executive does, and Iwant to Federal Executive to understand what it’s liketo be a campaigner and activist on the ground.

Tom Stubbs

Tom with fellow TruroCity Councillors

A Local Campaigner who can effect national change

“Tom is a passionatecampaigner who canaffect real change thatmatters on the ground”Cllr Will Purvis, Portsmouth

TomStubbs

Martin TodFor Federal Executive

Back in 2002, I was one of the FE members whoargued and voted in favour of the party backing the

Iraq war demonstration.Amazingly, in retrospect, this view was not

unanimous!Westminster alone isn’t enough.

We will succeed if we are a campaigning party thatworks for change at every level.

And when I was on the FE before...

www.martintod.org.uk/fe

‘Real world’ experience...Outside of politics, I’ve spent many years in marketing with

Procter & Gamble and Vodafone.I’ve also worked for Shelter, the Housing and Homelessness

Charity - as Deputy Director of Communications, Policy &Campaigns and Head of Strategy Development.

We need to keep learning and looking for good ideas andgood practice from other organisations!

I have experience of building strong local parties at every level - from ‘black hole’ totarget seat – in membership, fundraising, organisation and votes.

All four parties where I’ve been Chair, PPC or Membership Secretaryhave won prizes for membership.

As the founding chair of Liberal Democrats Online I was instrumental intransforming the party’s online campaigning – from the bottom up – between1999 and 2001. I then helped do it again with the creation of Flock Together

and the party’s petition system in 2006. (And it needs doing again).I’m not a natural committee person, but with the challenges we face, it’s vital that

people with experience of getting things done serve on the FE.

Practical party experience...

Peter Tyzack for federal executive -tired of being the third party in a two party game? So am I, and that has to change! We are no longer the party of protest, we are now ‘one of three parties of government’, but we must think and act positively if we want to become the party of government.

Others constantly define us in relation to the two old parties; we must reject that and define ourselves to the public in our own distinct terms. We have two years to show our vision, and attract a groundswell of latent support that just wants us to succeed.

But when our own members say they don’t know what we stand for, and even believe the ‘rhetoric’ of opponents and the media; we are clearly wasting a vital resource. That resource, our membership, is largely untapped, with members too often seen merely as providers of finance. Members are the Party’s greatest asset, we must enable them each to be ambassadors for the party in their daily lives; well informed, proud of who we are and what we are achieving, not apologists.

The party must focus on our members, and communicate meaningfully in a two-way exchange. The Party needs members’ ideas; members need to hear the facts before the media stories. The Party needs to come together as one movement to achieve our goal.

Having been constituency chair, and a councillor, working with people at all levels of the community and the Party, I have seen too often the disconnect between ‘us and them’, a remoteness that divides. I will work to ensure that members are involved and informed, and that their knowledge and expertise is valued.

Peter has served as Parish and District Councillor, Chair of Planning for 8yrs. Parliamentary Candidate(x3), Local Party Chair, Conference Rep.

Peter is a member of Green Liberal Democrats.

Email: peter.tyzack@btinternet.com phone: 01454 632764

Gerald Vernon-Jackson isLeader of the LiberalDemocrats in LocalGovernment

Gerald is the only directlyelected Liberal DemocratCouncil Leader on theFederal Executive of theParty.

Keep a strong voice for ourlocal councillors on theFederal Executive, pleasegive Gerald Vernon-Jacksonyour first preference.

Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Gerald Vernon-Jackson isLeader of the LiberalDemocrats in LocalGovernment

Gerald is the only directlyelected Liberal DemocratCouncil Leader on theFederal Executive of theParty.

Keep a strong voice for ourlocal councillors on theFederal Executive, pleasegive Gerald Vernon-Jacksonyour first preference.

Gerald is Leader of Portsmouth City Council, where we continue toincrease our majority on the City Council.

Gerald is a former Deputy Leader of West Berks Council - so heunderstands the demands of both urban and rural councils.

Gerald works closely with many Government Ministers to make sure thelocal Lib Dem voice is heard in Whitehall.

Gerald is a regular trainer for the party, and has worked with Lib Demcouncillors and campaigners across almost every county in the UK.

Gerald is Vice Chair of the Local Government Association

Gerald has been part of the Portsmouth Lib Dem team who consistentlywin against both Tories and Labour.

1 The only upper tier Lib Dem Council Leader on the Federal Executive

Gerald Vernon-Jackson

For Federal Executive

Erlend WatsonFE 2007-2010 and since February 2012Orkney member since 1984President Liberal Youth 2011-12 and VicePresident 2007-2010Previously Paid Agent Organiser in Devon andHertfordshire, volunteer agent in numerousplaces, byelection volunteer and adviser to manycampaigns.In my times on the FE I have been a criticalfriend. I have questioned the management and Leadership andopposed decisions I thought wrong. Always with the intent to dothe right thing. I supported going into coalition in 2010. I stillremain of the position that that is the right place to be.But there is a difference between the Government and theParty. We will still be here promoting liberalism when thisgovernment has gone.Therefore we need to build up our strategic position for 2015.This includes building seats for the election against both illiberalparties in England, not forgetting that there are other illiberalparties in Scotland and Wales in the former of which we have areferendum where all parts of the UK need a No vote..But our position is not just about building seats. We must have apolicy platform for the future. That includes funding thedevelopment of Policy. We must have a stronger Press presence.To do all these we must fundraise. My skills and experience meanthat I can advise on policy presentation, press and pennies

For more information contactPhone: 07932 456378Email: erlend.watson@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/ErlendWatsonForFe 1

Vote forErlend Watson

Previously Paid Agent Organiser in Devon andHertfordshire, volunteer agent in numerousplaces, byelection volunteer and adviser to manycampaigns.In my times on the FE I have been a criticalfriend. I have questioned the management and Leadership andopposed decisions I thought wrong. Always with the intent to dothe right thing. I supported going into coalition in 2010. I stillremain of the position that that is the right place to be.But there is a difference between the Government and theParty. We will still be here promoting liberalism when thisgovernment has gone.Therefore we need to build up our strategic position for 2015.This includes building seats for the election against both illiberalparties in England, not forgetting that there are other illiberalparties in Scotland and Wales in the former of which we have a

If you want to talk to meabout my ideas, email

Chris is a councillor inHertfordshire and was groupleader for 18 years.

He is currently Deputy Leader(Policy) of the LGA Lib DemGroup and sits on the ALDCManagement Committee.

He is an outspoken critic of theEnglish Party's approach tocandidate approval and selection.

He writes in Liberator and onLib Dem Voice.

For more go to Facebook:www.facebook.com/

ChrisWhiteForFederalExecutive

Chris WHITE 1

Make it easier for English Regionsto dispose of the English Partystructures

Entrench the requirement for allkey public elections - includingPolice Commissioners - to becontested

Improve thesupport to ALDCand councilgroups

Improve therelevance andimpact ofcampaigns

My checklist for action

Re-elect Sir David Williams••••• LeaderLeaderLeaderLeaderLeader,,,,, Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon ThamesThamesThamesThamesThames

Council 1983-2001Council 1983-2001Council 1983-2001Council 1983-2001Council 1983-2001••••• LeaderLeaderLeaderLeaderLeader,,,,, Local Go Local Go Local Go Local Go Local Govvvvvernment ernment ernment ernment ernment AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationAssociation

Lib Dem GrLib Dem GrLib Dem GrLib Dem GrLib Dem Group 1996-2001oup 1996-2001oup 1996-2001oup 1996-2001oup 1996-2001••••• BoarBoarBoarBoarBoard memberd memberd memberd memberd member,,,,, Audit Commission,Audit Commission,Audit Commission,Audit Commission,Audit Commission,

1997-2003 and 2011 to date1997-2003 and 2011 to date1997-2003 and 2011 to date1997-2003 and 2011 to date1997-2003 and 2011 to date••••• ChairChairChairChairChair,,,,, Local Go Local Go Local Go Local Go Local Govvvvvernment ernment ernment ernment ernment AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociationAssociation

Lib Dem Group, 2005-2009Lib Dem Group, 2005-2009Lib Dem Group, 2005-2009Lib Dem Group, 2005-2009Lib Dem Group, 2005-2009••••• Cabinet Member for Communities,Cabinet Member for Communities,Cabinet Member for Communities,Cabinet Member for Communities,Cabinet Member for Communities,

Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon Richmond upon Thames,Thames,Thames,Thames,Thames, 2006-2010 2006-2010 2006-2010 2006-2010 2006-2010••••• Organised 30 local by-electionOrganised 30 local by-electionOrganised 30 local by-electionOrganised 30 local by-electionOrganised 30 local by-election

campaigns – winning 25 of themcampaigns – winning 25 of themcampaigns – winning 25 of themcampaigns – winning 25 of themcampaigns – winning 25 of them

Vote David Williams 1

Your vote is importantThe next two years are hugely important to our recovery and success. TheFederal Executive is critical to achieving this, in Government, in our localcouncils, and in our campaigning.

I have said repeatedly that we must make every effort to promote our imageand our identity. These have to be our top priorities.

I have the experience, both on the FE and as a councillor since 1974, to helpmake the FE a success. And I led a flagship Lib Dem council for 18 years.

We, as activists and party members, have to raise our game to help Nick andhis team. I want to play my part as an FE member in making this happen.

“David’s experience is based on decades of successful campaigning.Put this to good use on the FE.”

Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham“David’s experience and judgement have been vital to our success in

Richmond. He will bring those skills to hugely help the party on the FE.”Susan Kramer, ex MP for Richmond Park

David Williams FE manifesto 2012.pmd 03/10/2012, 23:161