This episode is the first in a series of on-location special dispatches from the party conferences. In Bournemouth this weekend (22/09-26/09) Cratus spoke to key decision-makers as the Liberal Democrats determined some key policies in what could possibly be their last conference before the General Election.

Account Manager Charlie Murphy spoke to the following figures in the party during this episode:

• Tim Farron MP, former leader and Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale
• Cllr Bobby Dean, candidate for the key target seat of Carshalton and Wallington
• Wera Hobhouse MP, Member of Parliament for Bath
• Wendy Chamberlain MP, Chief Whip in the Commons and Member of Parliament for North East Fife
• Christine Jardine MP, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West
• Cllr Paul Kohler, candidate for the key target seat of Wimbledon
• Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales
• Baroness Pinnock, Lords Spokesperson for Levelling Up, Communities and Local Government
• Lisa Smart, candidate for the key target seat of Hazel Grove

The Liberal Democrats feel they are on the up and ready to retake the role of the third major party in British politics. At this conference, we saw them start to carve out a feel for what their pitch might be at the next General Election with new policy on housing, period poverty, integrity in public life and fast fashion. Party Leader Ed Davey focused his time directing fire at the Conservatives, pledging to "tear down" the blue wall. The Leader's Speech included a strong focus on health, particularly on a new 2-month guarantee around cancer treatment on the NHS.

Notably, the leadership was defeated on housing policy by a coalition of members led by the youth wing, Young Liberals, who successfully fought to retain the 380,000 homes per year target the party has in place.

Following a hectic few days in Bournemouth, our attention now turns to Manchester for the Conservative Party Conference which is kicking off this Sunday, and we will be bringing you even more reactions from more party members.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.