Cllr Ben Ward
@bwardlibdem.bsky.social
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Aggregate Result of the 21 Council By-Elections Since the 2025 Local Elections:
LDM: 10 (+3)
RFM: 9 (+9)
LAB: 1 (-6)
SNP: 1 (=)
LOC: 0 (-2)
CON: 0 (-4)
LDM: 10 (+3)
RFM: 9 (+9)
LAB: 1 (-6)
SNP: 1 (=)
LOC: 0 (-2)
CON: 0 (-4)
June 7, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Aggregate Result of the 21 Council By-Elections Since the 2025 Local Elections:
LDM: 10 (+3)
RFM: 9 (+9)
LAB: 1 (-6)
SNP: 1 (=)
LOC: 0 (-2)
CON: 0 (-4)
LDM: 10 (+3)
RFM: 9 (+9)
LAB: 1 (-6)
SNP: 1 (=)
LOC: 0 (-2)
CON: 0 (-4)
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Aggregate Vote Shares are quite something...
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
May 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Aggregate Vote Shares are quite something...
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
In actual votes cast since 1st May, elections are now between Lib Dem and Reform.
Aggregate Vote Shares are quite something...
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
RFM: 30.9% (+30.3)
LDM: 25.1% (+3.8)
LAB: 15.8% (-13.7)
CON: 15.0% (-10.3)
GRN: 5.1% (-1.2)
SNP: 3.6% (-3.7)
PLC: 0.4% (+0.4)
Others: 4.2% (-5.6)
June 1, 2025 at 8:46 AM
In actual votes cast since 1st May, elections are now between Lib Dem and Reform.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
“The Lib Dem leader wants to rewrite British politics – not with the language of crisis, but that of care. In a Westminster hooked on “tough choices” and resistant to compassion in policy, he offers something rare – moral clarity rooted in lived experience.” 👏💞🔶
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on Ed Davey’s mission: build politics around care. If not, cruelty will define it | Editorial
Editorial: Personal experience shapes the Liberal Democrat leader’s agenda, offering a humane alternative and exposing a state oblivious to quiet sacrifice
www.theguardian.com
May 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM
“The Lib Dem leader wants to rewrite British politics – not with the language of crisis, but that of care. In a Westminster hooked on “tough choices” and resistant to compassion in policy, he offers something rare – moral clarity rooted in lived experience.” 👏💞🔶
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
So the stupidity begins…Reform drop climate change from their cabinet roles in Lancashire.
You are no friend to farmers, rural communities or our beautiful Lancashire natural environment if you walk away from dealing one of our greatest threats.
You are no friend to farmers, rural communities or our beautiful Lancashire natural environment if you walk away from dealing one of our greatest threats.
May 25, 2025 at 2:52 PM
So the stupidity begins…Reform drop climate change from their cabinet roles in Lancashire.
You are no friend to farmers, rural communities or our beautiful Lancashire natural environment if you walk away from dealing one of our greatest threats.
You are no friend to farmers, rural communities or our beautiful Lancashire natural environment if you walk away from dealing one of our greatest threats.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Reform UK refuse diversity training at Northamptonshire council
Of course they did #NotFitForPublicOffice
Source: BBC
search.app/KFAzv
Of course they did #NotFitForPublicOffice
Source: BBC
search.app/KFAzv
Reform UK refuse diversity training at Northamptonshire council
Nigel Farage says newly elected councillors will be boycotting diversity and inclusion training.
search.app
May 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reform UK refuse diversity training at Northamptonshire council
Of course they did #NotFitForPublicOffice
Source: BBC
search.app/KFAzv
Of course they did #NotFitForPublicOffice
Source: BBC
search.app/KFAzv
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Coverage of idiots claiming ‘betrayal’ or ‘surrender’ isn’t just bad journalism, it’s a dereliction of our duty to explain things. I’d actually forgotten just how bad it got but here we are, straight back to treating liars & spivs like authorities of equal weight to experts & honest brokers.
May 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Coverage of idiots claiming ‘betrayal’ or ‘surrender’ isn’t just bad journalism, it’s a dereliction of our duty to explain things. I’d actually forgotten just how bad it got but here we are, straight back to treating liars & spivs like authorities of equal weight to experts & honest brokers.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Just one university - UCL - employs almost twice as many people as there are working in fishing boats.
A reminder that more people are employed in the yoga industry than there are registered fishers working in the UK.
May 19, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Just one university - UCL - employs almost twice as many people as there are working in fishing boats.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Our first leaflets for the Benfieldside by-election are already through letterboxes TODAY!
Our by-election fund is open to help us challenge the Reform Party across County Durham -- starting in Benfieldside, just next door to 2 strong Lib Dem divisions...
Donate here:
www.durhamlibdems.org.uk/win
Our by-election fund is open to help us challenge the Reform Party across County Durham -- starting in Benfieldside, just next door to 2 strong Lib Dem divisions...
Donate here:
www.durhamlibdems.org.uk/win
May 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Our first leaflets for the Benfieldside by-election are already through letterboxes TODAY!
Our by-election fund is open to help us challenge the Reform Party across County Durham -- starting in Benfieldside, just next door to 2 strong Lib Dem divisions...
Donate here:
www.durhamlibdems.org.uk/win
Our by-election fund is open to help us challenge the Reform Party across County Durham -- starting in Benfieldside, just next door to 2 strong Lib Dem divisions...
Donate here:
www.durhamlibdems.org.uk/win
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Definitely going to like the new mayor, annual council only lasted 35mins!!!
Time for the Preston Lib Dem team to have a drink together in the sun ☀️🍹
Time for the Preston Lib Dem team to have a drink together in the sun ☀️🍹
May 15, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Definitely going to like the new mayor, annual council only lasted 35mins!!!
Time for the Preston Lib Dem team to have a drink together in the sun ☀️🍹
Time for the Preston Lib Dem team to have a drink together in the sun ☀️🍹
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Why is it that so many who claim to be on the left / socialist appear intent on pulling down Labour, even if that allows Reform to win. Surely pushing back Reform is the number 1 priority in politics for all moderate / centralist parties
May 11, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Why is it that so many who claim to be on the left / socialist appear intent on pulling down Labour, even if that allows Reform to win. Surely pushing back Reform is the number 1 priority in politics for all moderate / centralist parties
Don't fall into the Farage trap. The trade deal with India doesn't give Indians some kind of special tax free status which will undermine UK workers, we already have similar double contribution agreements with 17 other countries including the EU, the US and South Korea.
May 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Don't fall into the Farage trap. The trade deal with India doesn't give Indians some kind of special tax free status which will undermine UK workers, we already have similar double contribution agreements with 17 other countries including the EU, the US and South Korea.
So tired with the UK news - Indian trade deal is clearly GOOD news, and yet the news is obsessed with the migration component feeding further support for Reform UK. The tax arrangement is standard for temporary short term foreign workers.
May 6, 2025 at 7:18 PM
So tired with the UK news - Indian trade deal is clearly GOOD news, and yet the news is obsessed with the migration component feeding further support for Reform UK. The tax arrangement is standard for temporary short term foreign workers.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
"Reform is launching a drive to raise funds from wealthy offshore donors in low tax jurisdictions including Monaco, UAE and Switzerland..." (FT)
It would be nice if the world could stop feeling like a dystopian parody for a while.
It would be nice if the world could stop feeling like a dystopian parody for a while.
April 26, 2025 at 7:25 AM
"Reform is launching a drive to raise funds from wealthy offshore donors in low tax jurisdictions including Monaco, UAE and Switzerland..." (FT)
It would be nice if the world could stop feeling like a dystopian parody for a while.
It would be nice if the world could stop feeling like a dystopian parody for a while.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
“President Trump demonstrated that he is not interested in securing a just peace and protecting Ukraine's right to self determination."
“Instead, he is intent on carving up Ukraine with Putin.”
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
“Instead, he is intent on carving up Ukraine with Putin.”
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
April 25, 2025 at 5:26 PM
“President Trump demonstrated that he is not interested in securing a just peace and protecting Ukraine's right to self determination."
“Instead, he is intent on carving up Ukraine with Putin.”
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
“Instead, he is intent on carving up Ukraine with Putin.”
@jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
This chart here shows nicely the strengths and weaknesses of the Lib Dems as a electoral prospect.
They are the party that the most people are open to voting for, but are also the major party with the smallest hardcore voting base.
In voting terms it gives them a high ceiling but a low floor.
They are the party that the most people are open to voting for, but are also the major party with the smallest hardcore voting base.
In voting terms it gives them a high ceiling but a low floor.
April 20, 2025 at 11:27 AM
This chart here shows nicely the strengths and weaknesses of the Lib Dems as a electoral prospect.
They are the party that the most people are open to voting for, but are also the major party with the smallest hardcore voting base.
In voting terms it gives them a high ceiling but a low floor.
They are the party that the most people are open to voting for, but are also the major party with the smallest hardcore voting base.
In voting terms it gives them a high ceiling but a low floor.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
A new YouGov poll out today has us leading in the South of England.
Millions of people want a strong anti-Trump, anti-Farage party that works everyday for their communities.
Millions of people want a strong anti-Trump, anti-Farage party that works everyday for their communities.
March 25, 2025 at 6:51 PM
A new YouGov poll out today has us leading in the South of England.
Millions of people want a strong anti-Trump, anti-Farage party that works everyday for their communities.
Millions of people want a strong anti-Trump, anti-Farage party that works everyday for their communities.
To be clear...
Net zero aspirations aren't responsible for our excessive energy bills.
Our bills are the highest in Europe because our electricity prices are decided by the gas market (a fossil fuel).
Net zero aspirations aren't responsible for our excessive energy bills.
Our bills are the highest in Europe because our electricity prices are decided by the gas market (a fossil fuel).
April 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
To be clear...
Net zero aspirations aren't responsible for our excessive energy bills.
Our bills are the highest in Europe because our electricity prices are decided by the gas market (a fossil fuel).
Net zero aspirations aren't responsible for our excessive energy bills.
Our bills are the highest in Europe because our electricity prices are decided by the gas market (a fossil fuel).
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Scottish Sunday Mail...
"SCOTTISH PENSIONS LOSE £11 BILLION AS A RESULT OF TRUMPS DISASTROUS TRADE WAR"
Scottish Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole Hamilton...
"IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE HOW HE MANAGED TO BANKRUPT CASINOS"
...
"SCOTTISH PENSIONS LOSE £11 BILLION AS A RESULT OF TRUMPS DISASTROUS TRADE WAR"
Scottish Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole Hamilton...
"IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE HOW HE MANAGED TO BANKRUPT CASINOS"
...
April 16, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Scottish Sunday Mail...
"SCOTTISH PENSIONS LOSE £11 BILLION AS A RESULT OF TRUMPS DISASTROUS TRADE WAR"
Scottish Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole Hamilton...
"IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE HOW HE MANAGED TO BANKRUPT CASINOS"
...
"SCOTTISH PENSIONS LOSE £11 BILLION AS A RESULT OF TRUMPS DISASTROUS TRADE WAR"
Scottish Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole Hamilton...
"IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE HOW HE MANAGED TO BANKRUPT CASINOS"
...
There have been no pause in tariffs to the UK - the 10% on everything and the 25% on steel and cars are still in existence.
So how come a week ago we were considering retaliation, and now everything is fine.
There has been no change in our situation.
So how come a week ago we were considering retaliation, and now everything is fine.
There has been no change in our situation.
April 13, 2025 at 7:51 AM
There have been no pause in tariffs to the UK - the 10% on everything and the 25% on steel and cars are still in existence.
So how come a week ago we were considering retaliation, and now everything is fine.
There has been no change in our situation.
So how come a week ago we were considering retaliation, and now everything is fine.
There has been no change in our situation.
People keep saying this is #Trump's Truss moment. For me, the current self-destructive actions of Trump feel very reminiscent of Boris's Brexit.
Boris frequently told us that Brexit was going to be a win win for the UK, well threatening Europe with a no deal / hard #Brexit.
Boris frequently told us that Brexit was going to be a win win for the UK, well threatening Europe with a no deal / hard #Brexit.
April 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Do we want to be the only country appeasing Trump?
Personally, I'd rather we signed a free trade with Canada and improved our trading relationship with Europe.
Personally, I'd rather we signed a free trade with Canada and improved our trading relationship with Europe.
March 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Do we want to be the only country appeasing Trump?
Personally, I'd rather we signed a free trade with Canada and improved our trading relationship with Europe.
Personally, I'd rather we signed a free trade with Canada and improved our trading relationship with Europe.
Reposted by Cllr Ben Ward
Can’t make this up.
March 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Can’t make this up.