Whilst the Conservative party horrify the world with their very public shambles of a leadership contest, LibDems brought us their quieter and better quality version at their leadership hustings on last Friday night, 21st June.
The two contestants are Ed Davey and Jo Swinson, introduced by Lord Teverson, and they were speaking to a packed room at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Nearly 250 members from around the South West attended.

We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped over the course of the EU election campaign, as well as to everyone who has supported us and voted for us (in both the Local and EU elections).

In the EU election, the Lib Dems came second nationally, with over 20% of the vote. That makes us the leading party of remain. Plymouth tends to be a tough area for us as a party, but we have made gains here over the last couple of years. Impressively, we also came second in Plymouth, gaining 14% of the vote. This shows that our efforts, both locally and nationally, are succeeding. Our clear position on wanting to remain a member of the EU, combined with our reputation for progressive policies, in areas such as the environment and mental health, are clearly resonating with the public.

The Liberal Democrats passionately believe that the UK will have a brighter and better future if we remain a member of the EU. At a time when nationalism and populism are on the rise, it is vital that we continue to fight for a liberal, outward looking, inclusive society. We have been campaigning hard in Plymouth, across the South West, and throughout the rest of the UK, in the run up to the EU Election. We will continue to stand up for the values that others wish to erode.

Join the winning team

Following our record-breaking victories in the recent council elections, and our clear EU election polling as the leading party of remain, we would love you to join us. Alternatively, you could become a supporter and help out with the forthcoming European Elections and beyond. The EU elections have never been more important than they are right now.

Plymouth Lib Dems are campaigning in the South West with a clear Stop Brexit message for the EU elections. Today a group of us helped in Totnes, canvassing and running a street stall with leading candidate Caroline Voaden. We have lots more planned in Plymouth and beyond, with members out canvassing and leafleting. We had a great response from residents and members of the public. The fact that we are polling so well, proves that we are the leading remain party. It is clear that the Lib Dems represent the best choice for voters who would like to remain a member of the EU.

Our campaigning for the EU elections is well underway, with a clear remain message. We have a great shortlist of candidates in the South West and Gibraltar constituency, with Caroline Voaden number 1 on the list. Caroline has previously stood as Parliamentary candidate in SW Devon.

In Plymouth, we are out canvassing and delivering leaflets. We are also helping the wider region with activity in areas such as South Hams and Totnes.

With the 2019 Council Elections over, I want to thank all members, supporters and those electors who voted Liberal Democrat. A particularly special message of thanks is due to all those who helped to deliver the Liberal Democrat message in Plymstock and Compton.

Finally, thanks to all our candidates, some of whom have achieved very encouraging results.

Our team of local members have been out campaigning over the last few weeks; dressed for all four seasons and spreading the liberal message. Our local policies include stopping tree loss, action on polluting vehicle emissions, helping the homeless, central government funding of the Tamar Bridge, and (of course) continuing our fight for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal.

Plymstock Dunstone - Sima Davarian

I'm a Plymothian to my core, having been born in Freedom Fields Hospital. I'm really proud of my diverse family background, with my maternal roots being traceable to Ireland and Germany, and my father having emigrated here from Iran several decades ago.

My childhood was based in Plymstock and I attended local primary and secondary schools before reading English Literature at Cardiff University. I have been fortunate enough to travel in some wonderful countries but Plymouth has always had my heart.

On Saturday 23rd March, a team of Plymouth Lib Dems joined party members from across the country at the Put It To The People (People's Vote) March. Over 1 million people took part in the event, making it a historically huge demonstration. With the government in a state of crisis, and the opinion of the public contuing to shift, a People's Vote on Brexit is more important than ever.

Plymouth Lib Dems are joining Cornwall Lib Dems to campaign for Central Government to fund the Torpoint Ferry and Tamar Bridge.

We are calling on the Government to adopt the Tamar Bridge and Ferries, abolish the tolls and fund the crossings through general taxation.

Sign the petition here to join our fight for a fair deal.

Dr Paul Andrews has been a South Devon based GP for the last twelve years. He moved nearer to the family home in Devon after eight years of service as a Medical Officer in the RAF. As a civilian he has worked in the Devonport Royal Naval dockyard and with each of the Plymouth based Royal Marine Commando units. He has also worked as a local GP and in NHS hospitals.

I stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Constituency in 2015 and for Moor View in 2017. I am delighted to have another chance to represent you, the residents within the City. I am lifelong supporter of liberal values and have always fought for these basic, core principals and goals: a fairer voting system to ensure everyone has a true democratic representation; a strong and competent economy, a sustainable Environment, good housing, proper education and health care for all of us. I strongly support co-operative owned businesses and Societies and am a director for Tamar Energy Community, an energy-saving co-op in Tavistock that is fighting Climate Change.

I am delighted to be the Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for South West Devon, in addition to standing for Plymstock Dunstone in the local elections this May.

I have been an active member of the Liberal Democrats since 2010. During this time I have been involved in a number of local and national campaigns, and also stood as a local council candidate.

The Liberal Democrats were the most successful UK party at making net by-election gains in 2018, with the Tories and Labour both making net losses. A full review of can be found on the ALDC website here.

During 2019, Lib Dems across the UK will continue to re-establish the party as a rational, pragmatic choice, in the face of an increasingly unstable and fractured Tory and Labour party. Our 2019 campaigning in Plymouth will be underway imminently, so we will keep you updated.

About 250 people attended Luke's 9^th Brexit debate in the Guildhall, which was open to everyone. The MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport gave his views, informed us of the current situation, heard a range of opinions and ideas and took questions on all aspects of our changing relationship with Europe.

Tickets are now on sale for our 2018 Christmas raffle draw. You could win one of 30 tremendous prizes, including a £2,000 holiday voucher. Tickets cost just £1.00 each and are also open to family and friends.

The Plymouth Lib Dems is a volunteer run organisation, so the Lib Dem draw is a great way to support us.

Here is a brief summary of the recent party Conference in Brighton, from our local party Chair.

'I spent two days at Conference moving swiftly between the two venues to attend various speeches and learning events. For me the highlights have to be the speeches from three Liberal Democrat MP's.

Tom Brake exposed the chaos surrounding Brexit and encouraged MPs of all persuasions to call for a People's Vote if they saw that their constituents would be harmed by the outcome of negotiations.

Our website has been a little quiet lately, but that is not to say that the Plymouth Lib Dems haven't been busy.

Following an increase in votes at the Stoke by-election in July, we have been putting our plan together for the 2019 local elections (not to mention the ever looming possibility of an early general election). Also, August saw the local party joining up with colleagues from Devon and Cornwall to take part in Plymouth Pride, joining the march and running a stall.