The Importance of Local Parties and Incumbency to the Electoral Prospects of the Liberal Democrats

What is it about?

This article examines the changing income, expenditure and membership of the Liberal Democrats' strongest local constituency associations since 2010, and concludes with a short assessment of the possible implications for the party at the next election and beyond.

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Why is it important?

It has been argued, based upon national polling and mid-term election results, that Britain's Liberal Democrats will lose a substantial number of seats at the next general election. However, such argument is in danger of underestimating the unique importance of strong local party organisation and incumbency to the Liberal Democrats as a platform for subsequent general electoral success.