LDER Chair's 2025 End-of-Year Review

Sarah Lewis, outgoing LDER Chair, writes:

As I prepare to step down as Chair of Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both demanding and deeply rewarding. When our executive committee was formed after the 2024 general election, we faced a transformed political landscape. We responded by sharpening our mission: securing proportional representation (PR) for Westminster, and making it a clear, time‑bound condition of any pact with Labour or other parties.

Much of our energy this year has been devoted to the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Elections, which has grown into the largest APPG in Parliament. I am proud of the role our MPs have played — from Sarah Olney’s ten‑minute rule bill, which delivered the first ever parliamentary vote in favour of PR, to the strong Liberal Democrat presence in January’s debate. I am delighted that Lisa Smart has stepped into the role of Cabinet Office spokesperson, ensuring our voice remains strong in this vital cross‑party forum.

Beyond Westminster, we have worked with allies to equip MPs, host conference events, and engage members despite rising costs. Our new “LDER campaign team” has expanded volunteer involvement and strengthened our organisation, though I recognise that building campaign capacity on the doorstep and online remains unfinished business for the next executive.

Personally, I am grateful for the dedication of our executive, our partners, and every member who has contributed to this cause. Leading LDER has been a privilege, and I leave confident that we are in excellent shape. The fight for fair votes is far from over, but together we have laid foundations that will endure. Thank you for allowing me to serve — and for making this work possible.

Sarah Lewis
Outgoing LDER Chair