And on from Liverpool...

I'm writing this at Liverpool Lime Street Station. I'll soon be on the way home to Milton Keynes. As ever, there is plenty to think about - issues to reflect upon further - new campaigning tools and techniques to try out. Conference should be stimulating - and I always find it is. I'll be honest, I prefer the fringe meetings; the chats with exhibitors, the discussions with old and new friends - to speeches in the main hall.

So what am I taking away from Liverpool? I'm encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by some - and the energy they are bringing into the party? It can be tiring being a progressive - but we can never let ourselves become tired. At most there are 44 months until the next General Election - and it may come sooner. In the meantime there are hundreds of country, district & parish council seats to be won - and services delivered. We need enthusiasm and energy.

But to do that we have to persuade neighbours, friends and fellow citizens that we have the capability to make a real - positive - difference. We have to discuss ideas - a process which involve debate and the use of argument. That could be messy, but need not be. We need to show that we can engage with people who might not share our passion - but can agree with our principles.

There was some unedifying behaviour at conference. Some people got personal. Some put winning arguments and scoring points above addressing the challenge of convincing voters. ALL this is unsustainable. Let's move on.