As I watched Boris Johnson being crowned Tory leader yesterday, I felt the same sinking feeling that I did on the morning of that awful referendum result.

But that despair quickly turned to anger as he rambled through his opening speech.

As our new Leader Jo Swinson said the other night – Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson. Britain deserves better than a divisive and damaging no-deal Brexit rammed through by a man who couldn’t even be bothered to write an acceptance speech.

All the pomp and bluster in the world can’t change parliamentary arithmetic.

His victory has felt inevitable throughout the contest. Few will be surprised by yesterday’s result. But he can and will be stopped – here’s how.

Boris Johnson begins his premiership with a majority of just 4 votes. All the pomp and bluster in the world can’t change parliamentary arithmetic.

With Parliament this finely balanced, every single vote counts. We’ve seen votes lost by 1 or even tied in recent months. Just 1 MP could be the tipping point.

Jane Dodds, our candidate in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election, could be that tipping point. And that is where the fightback against Boris begins.

I’ve been to Brecon and Radnorshire regularly in recent weeks to campaign for Jane. She’s well aware of the national significance of this by-election. But she’s also completely determined to be a strong voice for the communities of the constituency.

Jane Dodds, our candidate in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election, could be the tipping point.

This isn’t just about stopping Boris Johnson. It’s about electing another brilliant Liberal Democrat representative to Parliament. Polling day is just 9 days away – please come and help!

I’ll help!

Past Brecon and Radnorshire, we must fight for the green, safe and prosperous Europe we believe in. And we must ensure that the UK is at its heart.

Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nigel Farage – they all want you to give up. But this isn’t even close to the end.

Brexit can be stopped.

Boris Johnson can be stopped.

Let’s get out there and make it happen.

If you’re a member – now is the time to ask your friends and family to join. 

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But if you aren’t – there’s never been a better time to join. We’ve had over 5,500 new members and supporters join in the last 48 hours – but we need you too. Join us today, starting from just £1 a month.

Since Jo became our party’s new leader on Monday night, we’ve had another membership surge. There are now another 5,000 Liberal Democrat members and supporters – from one newbie to another, welcome!

When I joined I was absolutely clear – there’s only room in UK politics for one strong, centre-ground, pro-EU movement. That movement is the Liberal Democrats. And I’ve been blown away by how warm a welcome I’ve received – I hope you’ll feel just as much at home as I do!

There is only room in UK politics for one progressive, centre-ground, pro-EU movement. That movement is the Liberal Democrats.

Boris Johnson is pushing for a destructive no-deal Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn, a lifelong Brexiter, continues to prevaricate on supporting a People’s Vote and has prioritised facilitating Brexit through an alternative deal. Thousands of people are joining the Liberal Democrats as the alternative.

So then, if you’re a new member – where do you start?

Do join the Lib Dem Newbies Facebook group! It’s dedicated to giving new members a warm welcome and helping them get more involved.

Join now

Your local party will also be in contact shortly – do take the chance to discuss how you want to get involved. From standing for office to campaigning for those who do, there’s plenty to do and every member makes a difference.

I’m proud to be a Liberal Democrat and I’m so grateful for the welcome I’ve received. Our support is growing by the day – I’m more confident than ever that we can stop Brexit. More and more people are realising we can do it – will you join us?

We’ve just confirmed – Spring conference is back in York next year! 

Registration will later this year, but for now save the date in your diary: 13-15th March 2020!

In the meantime, make sure you are registered for Autumn conference 2019 – where we will celebrate our big victories in the local and European elections this year – and welcome our newly elected leader Jo Swinson! 

Register for your place here: 

“If you’re born poor, you will die on average 9 years earlier”

Inequality in life expectancy increased between 2012-14 to 2015-17 (the latest data available). In England, life expectancy at birth in the most deprived areas is 9.4 years less for men and 7.4 years less for women than in the least deprived areas.

Life expectancy hasn’t risen at all in the most disadvantaged places (Source: ONS)

This spring we ran a huge European election campaign – in which we ran our most sophisticated digital operation yet.

And yesterday, we elected Jo Swinson as our new leader of the Liberal Democrats.