“We ate humble pie” is how Lib Dem MP Richard Foord describes the aftermath of the last U.K. general election, in 2019, when the party campaigned almost exclusively on a policy of blocking Brexit — and was rewarded with just 11 seats in the 650-strong British parliament.
“If you look back to 2019, there was a little bit of hubris. There was talk at times of us winning tens and tens of seats, maybe even into the three figures,” Foord said. “I think that was, on reflection, mistaken.”
Liberal Democrat President Mark Pack said focus groups and canvassing show “there is a huge exhaustion still about all of those years of politics being dominated by Brexit.”
Rather than Brexit, party strategists are now prioritizing doorstep issues in their target constituencies, such as the rising cost of living and Britain’s faltering National Health Service.
“Our strategy is very firmly based on going out, talking to people, engaging with people on the issues they care about,” said one party official.
“You respect the electorate by listening to them, and taking on board what they’re experiencing,” added Lib Dem peer and former MP Susan Kramer.