Ashdown rules out move to left
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PADDY ASHDOWN, the Liberal Democrat leader, yesterday ruled out any shift to the left, in a move designed to calm critics who believe the party is moving too close to Labour, writes Stephen Castle.
With activists gathering in Glasgow today for the Liberal Democrats' annual conference, Mr Ashdown issued a statement which ruled out any further movement leftwards.
Earlier this year Mr Ashdown abandoned the party's stance of "equidistance" between Labour and the Conservatives. That was controversial among activists, particularly in the north and north-west, whose main electoral opponents are Labour.
Some delegates are expected to question the policy when the party president, Robert Maclennan, addresses the conference this afternoon.
In an apparent bid to pre-empt any row, Mr Ashdown said: "There are some in the press and some in our party who say that, as Labour moves to the right, we should move to the left.
"This is not going to happen. Others may shift but we will not. I'm proud of where we stand as a party of conscience and reform."
Party sources confirmed that the party leader's comments are designed to quell anxieties about the Liberal Democrats moving too close to Labour.
Mr Maclennan will defend Mr Ashdown's stand this afternoon. He will argue that the Liberal Democrats must not define themselves in relation to others.
'We won't go' , page 10
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments