Newington's Lizzy Roberts summarises the Liberal Democrat Party Conference.

The Liberal Democrat Party Conference took place in Bournemouth this week, with leader Vince Cable taking the opportunity to promote the party’s anti-Brexit message and outline his plan to claim the centrist ground left by Labour and the Conservatives.

Although the party conference received little media attention, party members in attendance surprised commentators with their optimism and resilience. The decision not to change the party’s existing anti-Brexit strategy was popular among the membership, which has seen a surge in numbers after the referendum vote.

While the anti-Brexit theme was clear, the party leadership emphasised that the Lib Dems will also make noise across the spectrum of policy areas. Vince Cable outlined that the Lib Dems must not be consumed by Brexit to become a “reverse Ukip” and Norman Lamb in particular expressed his desire to steer clear of becoming a one issue party. Within a series of policy announcements that it’s hoped will invigorate the party’s profile on domestic issues, most notable was the pledge to reform taxes on second homes to prevent the acquisition of property for investment purposes by overseas residents.

Cable received some criticism for suggesting it wasn’t beyond all possibilities that he could become the prime minister, he is the party leader after all, and as Baroness Ludford, Lib Dem peer backed his confidence by saying “there’s no harm in talking up your chances”. Though the press has been sceptical of the Lib Dems’ longevity, the party is in a better position than many think. Its membership is positive about the direction of its party and its leadership seem happy about their “think tank” style of opposition. It’s hoped that the pro-Europe stance will ultimately pay dividends, and fortunately for the Lib Dems, having spent decades out of power before 2010, they’re used to waiting for their moment.