Liberal Party from Asquith to Ashdown, 1912-1988 - Volumes
Volumes
7 volumes in Liberal Party from Asquith to Ashdown, 1912-1988
Policy and structures from conflict to conflict, 1912-1938
While most of these records cover the 1930's, the 'reports of annual Liberal assemblies' extend from 1912 to 1938. The Liberal Policy papers also include a guide to the Liberal Party's vision for a post-war Britain. Speakers' notes then develop the post-war policy theme by describing the Liberal vision for peace and disarmament. Read more →
Policy and structures during war and decline, 1939-1954
These papers begin with World War 2 and cover policy themes ranging from the Lib-Lab pact to civil defence. The 'meeting agendas for Liberal Assemblies' include motions to be considered at each annual meeting. Alongside policy, the Liberal policy papers include copies of two speeches delivered in February 1945. Those speeches were made by Party President Lady Violet Bonham-Carter and Party Leader Sir Archibald Sinclair. Read more →
Grimond and Thorpe's Liberal revival, 1954-1976
The National Executive Committee minute books begin during Jo Grimond's term of office as Chief Whip. The NEC Minutes from 1954 reveal that his drive to modernise the Party dates from at least the 14th May 1954. Liberal by-election literature and strategy papers cover the 1960s and 1970s. The variety of records from this period reflects the structural changes taking place within the Party during his leadership. Read more →
The David Steel years, 1976-1988
These years were heavily shaped by the Labour Party, starting with the Liberal-Labour Pact of 1977. The 1980s saw an Alliance and a merger with the former Labour MPs of the Social Democratic Party. Records from this period reveal how these alliances worked and what happened when they didn't work as intended. 'Internal records on the SDP-Liberal Alliance' include social issues which the parties intended to campaign upon. Papers covering... Read more →
