The Future of the Lib Dems with Roz Savage MP and Cllr Carl Cashman

From their leader’s bungee-jumping stunts, their best general election result ever, and leading the fight for social care, the Lib Dems have had a good year.

But in the political narrative, their place as the ‘third party’ outside the Labour-Tory duopoly has been threatened by Reform UK’s ascendancy. Coupled with their perennial struggle to be a party that fights for a progressive vision of the future while representing some of the most affluent, small-C constituencies across the country, the future of the Lib Dems feels unclear.

To pitch their versions of the future of the party, on this episode of It’s Bloody Complicated, Lena will be joined by two progressive champions in the party, Roz Savage MP and Cllr Carl Cashman.

• Dr Roz Savage was elected to be an MP for South Cotswolds in the 2024 General Election. Before that, she earned a law degree at Oxford and was a management consultant for eleven years, before an environmental awakening led to her setting out on a life of adventure. She holds four Guinness World Records for ocean rowing, including first woman to row solo across three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Indian, using her adventures to raise awareness of environmental issues.  She is also the founder of the Sisters, a global network bringing women together to create a more resilient future. Since being elected, she has been a progressive leader in parliament, fronting the fight for the Climate and Nature Bill.
• Carl Cashman is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Liverpool City Council, as well as the Councillor for Church ward since 2023. This victory, with over 50% of the vote, was the first Lib Dem gain in a Wavertree seat for over 13 years. He was previously elected as a Councillor on Knowsley Council in 2016 and also worked as a mortgage broker in this time. He is an outspoken proponent of liberalism, advocating for both his party and his beliefs throughout the media.

Don’t miss out on this urgent conversation with our two guests