Opinion: Building a liberalism for all

Chancellor of the Exchequer Wagbo_ writes for the Guardian in the wake of the Prime Minister’s resignation and declares his intention to run for the Leadership.

Wagbo_ currently serves as Chancellor for the Exchequer and is running for the Liberal Democrat Leadership.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Guardian.

Liberals in this country have a habit of drifting. Though we inherit a fine and noble tradition, passed down through a history taking courageous stances on issues, when faced with some hard decisions, the party-over-country mentality that we criticise others has a tendency to rear its head. It is all too easy to forget what we have achieved, and can achieve, as a party of government.

That’s why I was so proud to be offered the chance to be Chancellor in the Liberal Alliance. Taking on a real challenge, and putting ourselves forward to the nation through an internationally chaotic time, despite being one of the smallest minority governments in British history. That should have made this government quite the opposite of the historic drifting that liberals have fallen at times. Yet, despite dwelling in the corridors of power, I feel that we are yet again drifting.

This government needs a renewed sense of purpose. We need to be part of a coalition that is more radical, more open, and more liberal. Despite the best efforts from our leadership so far this term, that desire – the desire for more – has been lacking. I believe that now, with a change in the leadership of both liberal parties, we have a unique chance to renew our convictions, and energise our style of governing – that chance must be grasped with both hands.

We cannot settle for drifting, for going on in a state of flux, or for living from crisis to crisis. Our numbers may be small, but we have the chance to push for real change. To create that change, we will need to both fight and compromise, and we will need proactive, hands-on leadership. I want to be part of provide that leadership. On this basis, I have decided to run for Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

It is very easy to govern with exclusivity, and to get all too used to being in power. We have some huge tasks ahead of us on Europe, on our economic situation, and on the gross inequalities in our society. The task of governing with room for both conviction & compromise is not small. We must build a liberalism for all if we want to get it right.

Written by Wagbo_ for the Guardian.