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Articles by Mark Pack
Cllr Kieran Dams, previously with Greens, joins Lib Dems
Following the news of a Green councillor and a former Green Mayor joining the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Kieran Dams of Sefton Council now makes it a hat-trick of such news in the last few days: Waterloo Councillor Kieran Dams has joined the Liberal Democrats following his resignation from the Green Party last month… Explaining his decision, Kieran said: “What attracted me to the Liberal Democrats is the party’s driving principle that everybody is equal and should be able to succeed no...
Former Green Mayor Ian Conlan joins Lib Dems
Following the news of a Green councillor joining the Lib Dems, there is now also news of former Mayor Ian Conlan doing the same: Liberal Democrats on North Yorkshire Council say they are aiming to take control of the authority in next May’s elections as they welcomed a former Green Party mayor into their ranks. Ian Conlan, who served as Mayor of Malton for three years, has defected to the Liberal Democrats and announced plans to stand as a candidate in the May 2027 local elections.
The Manchurian Candidate (the 1962 version)
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content.
Reform’s first gain from the Lib Dems since May
Six principal authority council by-elections this week, including Reform’s first gain from the Lib Dems since May: Commiserations to Diane Inch on not manging to win this time. As Andrew Teale explains the context: The Halton Lib Dems have big shoes to fill here after their group leader died in August.
Christina Coleman joins Lib Dem from the Green Party
Following the news earlier this week from West Berkshire of a councillor joining the Liberal Democrats, now there is also news of Christina Coleman in Sussex doing the same thing. Here is the local press release: Cllr Christina Coleman has announced that she is leaving the Green Party and will join the Liberal Democrats.
Perhaps the most pointless question PMs are asked (LDN#215)
Liberal Democrat Newswire #215came out last week and you can now also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #215, which takes a look at when the next general election might take place, the problem with fake number plates, what Lib Dems want to do to the House of Lords, and more.
How slowness at the Treasury cost taxpayers millions
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords, which this time takes a look at how HM Treasury have been costing us money by moving slowly to agree a simple increase in fees for vehicle manufacturers. Did someone share this with you?
Conservative councillor Paul Dick joins the Lib Dems
Newbury Today brings the news of Paul Dick joining the Lib Dems: A West Berkshire Conservative councillor has defected to the Liberal Democrats. Paul Dick OBE – the ward member for Chieveley and Cold Ash and former long-standing headteacher of Kennet School in Thatcham … [said]: “I have come to admire the dedication and positivity in the Liberal Democrat administration and am keen to join their forward-thinking team.
Mark Pack’s latest report back to party members from Federal Elections and Communications Committee (FCEC)
Perhaps the most pointless question PMs are asked No, he isn’t going to tell you his election plans. Photograph Crown Copyright and used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Liberal Democrat members were sent one of our long explainer emails last week, this one from me explaining the party’s thinking on the chances of an early general election, and in particular the chances of one before Christmas.
Yes, I’m still in favour of making the House of Lords democratic
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords which this time looks at reforming the place.
Ex-Conservative campaign director sentenced over election bets
It’s been a busy week for news about those in politics breaking the law as, following the news about Reform, we now also have this: The Conservatives’ former director of campaigning and his wife [Anthony and Laura Lee] have received suspended prison sentences after they admitted to cheating at gambling by placing bets on the date of the 2024 general election … Amy Hind, a former Tory party employee who was working as an NHS business support manager, was also sentenced to six months’...
This week, it’s the Conservatives who prosper in by-elections
There were five principal authority council by-elections this week, and it was a good set for the Conservatives this time: Grantham St Wulfram's (South Kesteven) Council By-Election Result:🌳 CON: 38.3% (+4.6)➡️ RFM: 25.1% (New)🙋 Ind: 13.1% (New)🌹 LAB: 12.4% (-3.8)🌍 GRN: 6.5% (-7.1)🙋 Ind: 4.7% (New)No Inds (-21.8, -2.2) as previous.Conservative GAIN from Independent.Changes w/ 2023.
Reform fined for illegal publicity
The Guardian reports: Reform UK has been fined more than £2,000 for failing to declare it was the publisher of campaign material seen by voters – including an additional penalty for failing to pay on time. Remember your imprints folks! It also reports: A former Conservative election candidate has been suspended from the party after he was seemingly filmed discussing the cost of hiring contract killers and offering to “broker” the services of a far-right activist with alleged paramilitary links.
Jane Dodds stands down as Welsh Lib Dem leader
Senedd member and former MP, Jane Dodds. Jane Dodds is standing down as leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Earlier today she said: I have decided to stand down as Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Leading this party has been the honour of my life. When I was elected leader in 2017, I said I wanted to bring like-minded people together and make the Welsh Liberal Democrats a radical, progressive force in Welsh politics again. Nearly nine years on, I hope we’ve done that together.
Ed Davey on working with Greens after Zionism conference motion
Ed Davey posted earlier today: I am ruling out our party entering into a national partnership with any party that is committed to a dangerous and antisemitic policy like the Green Party’s. Here is my letter to the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews Here is the letter: "*" indicates required fields URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Nutters, spinners and losers: The Thick of It with Sam Freedman
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content. You can browse all the books mentioned and get them for yourself via my Bookshop.org page (affiliate link).
A brilliant maiden speech from Dave McCobb
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords. This time long-term readers will be glad to know, cattle-grids get a mention again.
A pair of Liberal Democrat by-election wins
We had another unusual non-Thursday principal authority council by-election this week, on Tuesday in Stroud: Rodborough (Stroud) Council By-Election Result:🌹 LAB: 47.0% (+13.2)🌍 GRN: 31.7% (+1.5)➡️ RFM: 12.9% (New)🌳 CON: 6.9% (-3.9)🔶 LDM: 1.5% (New)No Ind (-25.2) as previous.Labour HOLD.Changes w/ 2024. — Election Maps UK (@electionmaps.uk) 2026-10-13T22:27:05.861Z Thank you to George James for getting the Liberal Democrats on the ballot here for the first time since 2016.
Councillor Samantha Williamson joins Lib Dems in Bolton
The Bolton News reports on Samantha Williamson’s decision to join the Liberal Democrats: Cllr Samantha Williamson, of Horwich South and Blackrod, who had previously sat as an independent and part of the Communities First alliance, has joined the Liberal Democrats.
State of Play: the classic BBC drama, part 2
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content. You can browse all the books mentioned and get them for yourself via my Bookshop.org page (affiliate link). Photo credit: BBC.
Labour’s recovery in by-elections continues.
Four principal authority council by-elections this week along with a Parliamentary one too. In the council contests, we saw Labour’s recovery against Reform continuing: The Liberal Democrat here was Morgan Inwood – thank you. And also: Thank you to Christopher French for being the Liberal Democrat candidate here. Meanwhile in Scotland: Thanks here go to Sandy Stephen for being the Liberal Democrat candidate. One result to come from Derbyshire.
State of Play: a classic BBC political drama revisited
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content. You can browse all the books mentioned and get them for yourself via my Bookshop.org page (affiliate link).
Lib Dems make another by-election gain in Highlands
Six principal authority council by-elections this week and all back to being on a Thursday. One thing remains the same with by-elections though, a steady flow of Liberal Democrat gains – with this week’s gain once again coming on Highland Council: Congratulations to new councillor Julie Calder and the team. This ward is in the constituency of Jamie Stone (Westminster) and David Green (Holyrood). Elsewhere, the pickup in Labour performance continued with a hold in Blackpool.
The geography of Liberal Democrat potential (LDN#214)
Liberal Democrat Newswire #214 came out last week and you can now also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #214, which takes a look at the geography of Lib Dem support, includes advice on how to react to stories about hung Parliaments, explains why “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet” is bad political advice, and more.
How Home Secretaries change immigration rules without telling Parliament
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: The Home Office in Westminster. This Marsham Street photograph is by Steve Cadman and used under the CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Christine Jardine will not be re-standing for Parliament
The Edinburgh Reporter reports that Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine is not going to be standing at the next Westminster general election: Ms Jardine, who won the seat back from the SNP in 2017 and has a majority of 16,470, said that it had been a challenging few weeks and a difficult decision, but that she felt it was the best thing to do for the party. She said to The Edinburgh Reporter: “I’ve got my staff to think about.
Lib Dems most liked by political rivals, study finds
A press release from King’s College London brought the news last week: The Lib Dems are the party most liked by their political rivals, according to a new study published ahead of the party’s annual conference in Brighton.
The Lives of Others: a powerful film about art and the Stasi
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content.
Lib Dems just miss out on another council by-election gain.
Following the Lib Dem gain on Wednesday we then also this week had a further five on a more traditional Thursday. There was very nearly another Lib Dem gain to add to that earlier one: Thank you to Joanna Korczak for getting so close to winning – congratulations and commiserations for getting so close after the Lib Dems had twice in a row finished third in this ward, which is in Josh Reynolds’s constituency.
Lib Dems come from third to win by-election in Katie Lam’s constituency
We had a rare Wednesday council by-election this week, in the constituency of high-profile Conservative MP Katie Lam. It’s a multi-member ward where the Conservatives have topped the poll twice in a row, but the seat up in the by-election had been held by the Tunbridge Wells Alliance. Not any more though: Congratulations to new councillor Harry Wormington and the team.
The Hecklers: a great documentary about the 1966 election
This letter from me appears in the latest Journal of Liberal History. Oscar-winning American director Joseph Strick also made his mark on British politics with a film for the BBC about the 1966 general election, focusing just on the heckling of politicians. An American unused to culture of heckling at public election meetings, he toured the country with his own film crew to capture what was a major part of election campaigning in a political era that had only started adjusting to the impact of TV.
We are in the fight of our lives: Ed Davey
Here is the full text of Ed Davey’s closing speech at the 2026 Liberal Democrat autumn conference in Brighton: Something big and dangerous is happening in our country. Hundreds of thugs, in black shirts and balaclavas, are marching on our streets. First Dover. Then Portsmouth. Their aim? To intimidate. To spread fear. To stoke racism. They may call themselves patriots, but they would tear our country apart. We must not let them. Conference, we have seen this before.
Is “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet” good advice or not?
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content. You can browse all the books mentioned and get them for yourself via my Bookshop.org page (affiliate link). Wise advice or the route to self-indulgent disaster?
Greens lose two seats in council by-elections
This week’s principal authority council by-elections kicked off with a rare Tuesday contest: Although there had been a Lib Dem candidate last time, there was none the previous four times the ward was up. This was followed by three contests on Thursday, all of which saw seats change hands and which also saw two wards have a Lib Dem candidate after the party previously being absent from ballot papers.
How to fix the problem of money in our politics
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords. This time I am taking a look at how our political system is regulated, and the protections we need to keep democracy safe from becoming simply a contest to see who has the biggest bank account.
Lib Dem replaces Labour as leader of Luton Council
The BBC reports news of another council getting a Liberal Democrat leader, Cllr Amjid Ali: The Labour leader of Luton Borough Council has lost a no-confidence vote after being in the role less than four months. Tahmina Saleem was appointed in May to replace long-serving Hazel Simmons, but has faced a leadership challenge which puts Liberal Democrat Amjid Ali in charge of a coalition-led authority.
Patrick Stillman announced as Liberal Democrat candidate for Holborn and St Pancras by-election
Cllr Patrick Stillman. A party press release brings the news: Patrick Stillman, a Liberal Democrat councillor for West Hampstead and outgoing Chair of Camden Liberal Democrats, has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Patrick has lived in Camden for the past five years, moving to the area after graduating from the University of Kent. He works in compliance for a financial payments company based in Holborn.
Political spending: the gap even better donation rules wouldn’t cover
I’ll be speaking later today in Parliament about the need to tighten up by the rules over money coming into politics – such as with a donations cap – as well as the rules about how money is then spent.
Nigel Farage’s ratings hit record low with YouGov
Although hitting a record high unfavourable rating is what catches the eye in the latest YouGov Nigel Farage tracker, note the longer term trends shown below. It isn’t just one moment of trouble for Nigel Farage, but rather a sustained pattern.
Another ward becomes a Reform vs Lib Dem contest
There were four principal authority council by-elections this week and, after the halt to Reform net gains in the last few weeks, Reform are back to making progress against Labour and the Conservatives, for this week at least. Let’s start though with another ward which has become a Reform versus Lib Dem tussle as a result of a by-election: Congratulations on that large vote share increase go to Georgina Barry and the team.
Conservative councillor joins Lib Dems in Cannock Chase
The Express and Star reports the news of Josh Bancroft joining the Liberal Democrats: A councillor has quit the Conservatives to join the Liberal Democrats, voicing concerns that the party is drifting too far to the right. Councillor Josh Bancroft represents Cannock Park and Old Fallow ward on Cannock Chase Council… Chairman of West Midlands Liberal Democrats Lee Dargue said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Josh into a strong team.
Why Ofcom and the government need to up their game on parcel deliveries
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords. This time it’s back to parcel delivery services, as well as a quick update on a political finance loophole. Photo by Olivier Rouge on Unsplash.
Lib Dems gain majority control of Oxfordshire County Council
The principal authority council by-elections this week started with a relatively rare Wednesday contest and good news for the Liberal Democrats: Congratulations to new councillor Fred Hulls and the team. Turning to the further five contests held on Thursday, we had another successful Lib Dem defence, one which gives the party majority control of Oxfordshire County Council: New Lib Dem councillor James Hartley. Congratulations to the new Lib Dem councillor James Hartley and their team.
The Death of Stalin: Armando Iannucci’s 2017 black comedy
The latest edition of the email newsletter for my podcast, Political Fictions, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: As well as covering some books in the podcast, we also mention others in the newsletter’s bonus content.
Sarah Olney: I would like to be next Lib Dem London Mayor candidate
News from the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park since 2019 (and prior to that 2016-17): If you’d like to hear about future selections, just sign up for my monthly newsletter, Liberal Democrat Newswire, with its regular selections round-up: "*" indicates required fields X/Twitter This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Lisa Smart calls for police to investigate Reform’s James Orr
Following tonight’s Channel 4 scoop about foreign and hidden donations to Reform, Lisa Smart has called on the police to investigate Reform’s James Orr. Here’s her letter in full: Here is the Channel 4 report in full: It is also written up here.
Councillor joins Lib Dems in West Northamptonshire
Cllr Kathryn Shaw has joined the Liberal Democrats as NLive Radio reports: A former Reform UK cabinet member on West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has now joined the Liberal Democrat group. Cllr Kathryn Shaw previously stepped down from her role as portfolio holder for children, families and education at the start of 2026. In March, she later quit the Reform UK group completely, becoming an independent.
Government says it won’t tackle election turnout blindspot
The latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord’s Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords, this time a look at the problem with getting turnout data for some local elections.
Lib Dems jump from 5th to 2nd in Newcastle contest
Five principal authority council by-elections this week, and once again Labour and Reform traded gains with each other. The last few weeks have seen both the long run of consistent net gains for Reform come to an end and also the long run of consistent net losses for Labour come to an end. The variability of which seats are up week to week means drawing trends from by-elections should be done cautiously and over longer time periods.
A polling advantage for the Lib Dems (LDN#213)
Liberal Democrat Newswire #213 came out on Monday and you can now also read it in full below. But if you’d like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #213, which takes a look at party approval ratings, news about Lib Dem target seats, a new think tank, the first female Minister of Education and more.
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