Liberal Democrats to claim 'radical, liberal centre ground'

The Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight the 2016 election from a position in the “radical, liberal centre ground”, according to Willie Rennie.

Speaking in Aberdeen today the Scottish Lib Dem leader will argue that with a Conservative Government in Westminster and the possibility of Jeremy Corbyn being elected the next Labour leader, space is opening up in the centre ground of British politics.

He will say: “Whether Jeremy Corbyn wins or not it is abundantly clear that the Labour Party is heading leftwards and, in Scotland, will embark on a fight to the death with the Scottish National Party to be the dominant force on the socialist left.

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“And with the Conservatives, being true to their path, are taking the Government further to the right without the restraint and radicalism of the Liberal Democrats. In Scotland they are showing every indication that they will use the new taxation and welfare powers to propose a right wing shift here as well.

“The need for a radical, liberal centre ground force in politics has never been greater.”

Rennie will also run through the party’s history, claiming it has a long track record in supporting engagement with Europe, Lords reform, welfare reform, land reform and taxing the rich.

He is expected to say: “We are a party of economic, social, constitutional and environmental reform.  We want change for the long term and for our neighbours rather than just ourselves. 

“We see the value of altruism, that sense of fairness and opportunity for everyone whatever their background.  We want to challenge the establishment, the orthodoxy, the way it has always been.

“The prevailing winds of human nature means that a voice for those values is required today too.”