SURVIVAL AND RECOVERY

The morning after the 2015 general election, Nick Clegg resigned as leader of the party and was replaced in July by Tim Farron.

Following the 2016 referendum of EU membership, the Liberal Democrats did not abandon their unapologetically pro-European platform. The party stood true to its values of liberalism and internationalism, becoming the rallying point for millions who had voted to Remain in the EU in 2016.

Running an optimistic campaign to build an Open, Tolerant, United future, the party made relatively small gains in the 2017 General Election, and Tim Farron stepped aside and Vince Cable became leader.
Throughout this period the Liberal Democrats consistently led the movement for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal being negotiated by Theresa May. Membership ran to its highest ever levels, and the party saw its best-ever results in local and European elections in 2019.

The General Election in 2019 proved particularly difficult for a party now led by Jo Swinson, and though the party gained 4.2% vote share, representing 1.2 million more votes than 2017, the party did not succeed in gaining seats in Parliament.
The Liberal Democrats now move forward with resolute determination to rebuild strength and campaign for a liberal future for Britain.