Why Plaid should not repeat their badger cull policy

Posted by Peter Black on Peter Black
Tue 7th Jul 26 - 06:00

When Wales last tried to cull badgers it was under a Plaid Cymru rural affairs minister, so it is hardly surprising that experts and animal welfare charities are concerned that a new government will try to repeat the exercise. An article by Billie-Jade Thomas, the Senior Public Affairs Manager for the RSPCA, on the Institute for Welsh Affairs site reports that while it is still very much early days for the new Plaid Cymru minority government and the expanded Senedd, tackling Bovine TB (bTB) has already been raised in Plenary on several occasions, by parties for and against badger culling. ... (more)

A Liberal England guest blogger shows us around Snailbeach Mine

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 20:54

Ginger Beard Mark and the musician Eric Loveland Heath visit the old lead mine at Snailbeach in Shropshire. In its heyday in the second half of the 19th century, it was the most productive lead mine in the country. Eric Loveland once wrote a guest post for Liberal England about growing up in Snailbeach and his reaction to it today. And you can download his digital album Snailbeach Mines Trust. See? It's not just me who's taken with the place. (more)

Mathew on Monday: Carl Cashman is a Liberal Hero - and his critics would love his media reach

Posted by Mathew Hulbert on Liberal Democrat Voice
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 19:00

There has been no shortage of criticism directed at Carl Cashman over the past few days following his appearance as the cover star of Attitude magazines Pride edition. Yet, looking at much of the reaction, I cannot help but conclude that there is more than a hint of the green-eyed monster at work. The truth is that many of those complaining would love to have Carl's reach, his charisma and his ability to connect with audiences far beyond the traditional Liberal Democrat bubble. His interview is an excellent one. He speaks about the importance of promoting positive masculinity to young ... (more)

Parents shocked after children's paper hedgehogs found to contain pages from explicit novel

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 16:48

The Guardian wins our Headline of the Day Award for this worrying one from the Wirral. (more)

ALDC's by-election report - 2 July 2026

Posted by ALDC on Liberal Democrat Voice
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 13:45

Twelve principal authority by-elections across England, Wales and Scotland took place on Thursday 2nd July, carrying on a trend of unusually high numbers of by-elections over the past few weeks. Reform UK were defending three seats. The Liberal Democrats, Labour and Independents/Localists were defending two each. Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives were defending one each. Wales Three by-elections took place in the county of Powys, with one in Torfaen. All four by-elections were triggered by a councillor winning a seat on the Senedd, and unlike in England, Welsh law dictates that you cannot hold both a council and Senedd seat. ... (more)

Welcome to my day: 6 July 2026 - a nation dares to dream?

Posted by Mark Valladares on Liberal Democrat Voice
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 11:44

We don't often "do sport" here at Liberal Democrat Voice – perhaps a reflection of the Editorial Team's interests – but it would seem strange not to mark last night's extraordinary events in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium where an English team put up one of its most memorable performances to win 3-2 against Mexico. From an English Nationalist (a.k.a. Reform) perspective, it's obviously a mixed blessing. England win – good – but with a team mostly consisting of people whose families would be on the next available plane out if they could gain power at the next election. I'd argue ... (more)

Dan Boatright-Greene re-selected by Lib Dems for West Worcestershire

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 10:54

[IMG: Dan Boatright-Greene and Liberal Democrats] A party press release brings the news: West Worcestershire Liberal Democrat members have re-selected local councillor Dan Boatright-Greene as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the next general election. Dan finished second in West Worcestershire at the 2024 general election, receiving 13,236 votes and reducing the Conservative majority from 24,499 in 2019 to just 6,547. Living near Pershore, Dan represents the town on both Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council. A former teacher, he leads the Liberal Democrat group at the county council and currently serves as Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education, Special ... (more)

Write a guest post for Liberal England

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 08:58

I love publishing guest posts here on Liberal England. Why not try writing one yourself? It could be on how the Liberal Democrats should respond to the changed political landscape, on politics more generally or... anything really. Why not an article about a local campaign or quirky piece of history? Please drop me an email if you'd like to discuss your idea first. I'd hate you to spend time on a piece I really wouldn't want to publish. Here are the last 10 Liberal England guest posts:In the cause of duty: Walter Stolworthy is remembered at Wymondham station - Neil ... (more)

Farage and the gifts from crypto entrepreneur convicted of fraud

Posted by Peter Black on Peter Black
Mon 6th Jul 26 - 06:00

I really am trying not to keep writing about the Reform UK leader but so much stuff is coming out about Farage at the moment that it is inavoidable. The latest outrageous revelation is that the Clacton MP did not declare gifts and benefits provided by a crypto entrepreneur who has previously been convicted of fraud. The paper says that Reform MP, Robert Jenrick has admitted that the his leader had accepted staff, security and accommodation from George Cottrell, but claimed they were personal gifts provided before he became an MP and so did not need to be declared: Jenrick's ... (more)