Angry? Time to Step Up

The General Election result - frankly most results for the last five years - was terrible for the Liberal Democrats.

Down to 8 MPs, it would be easy to give up on the Liberal Democrats, on liberalism.

But I'm not going to do that. Like many other people in this country, I'm angry.

I'm angry because - although I had real doubts at the time - the Lib Dems stepped up and helped deliver stable Government for the last five years. But not just stable Government: the worst excesses of the Conservatives (excesses we'll all get to see now) have been blocked, and properly liberal reforms - like equal marriage - have been delivered. That courage has not been recognised.

I'm angry because I believe that there have never been more need in our country for proper, community based liberalism. Liberalism that listens to people and communities. Works with them to help them solve local problems and issues - not FOR them, with them. That stands up for EVERY person: not the rich, the organised, the pressure group: everyone. That voice is needed today - more than ever. But it doesn't invent itself. It needs good people to fight for it. And some of those people have lost their seats in the last 24 hours.

Paddy Ashdown says that the reason he got involved in politics was being canvassed by an (unnamed) man in a bobble hat who persuaded him in the 1970's he was a Liberal.

We all need the right moment to decide to step up.

If you are angry, this is your bobble hat moment (no bobble hat actually required, now or ever). Join the Liberal Democrats today. For just £1 a month (or more if you can afford it) you become a member and can help up rebuild the Party locally, regionally and nationally. Alternatively, contact the Shepway Liberal Democrats to talk about getting involved. We can't promise victory every time (really, we can't). But we can promise a dedicated local team who care about the area, about liberal (and democratic) values, and who are fun to work with.

If the General Election result has left you angry, and you never want to see that happen again: step up. Don't leave it to others. Paddy Ashdown didn't. I didn't. Your turn.