Whilst I understand some of what you say about the party not necessarily sticking to liberalism in government, I’d say we are part of a coalition and some things have to give here and there. Though we do need firmer red lines.

I do, however, disagree that it is some kind of a cult. I don’t know about Labour or the Conservatives, but in the Lib Dems there are so many groups of thought and people with different sets of ideologies and opinions I don’t see how we could all come to form one big cult. Also the idea of a ‘cult’ suggests something evil and wrong. I don’t for one minute think that it is.

We may not be going in the direction a lot of people would like, but I think we have to put up with certain things first, before we can get to where we really want to be.

Anyway, sorry again that you’re leaving and you will be missed. All the best!

I am sorry someone of your evident capability and insight is opting to leave the party; however, I fully respect that decision even if I believe the party will be the poorer for it. Certainly your diagnosis is, in key respects if not in its entirety, depressingly accurate. How typical of you that, even when leaving the party, you deliver a timely warning of the need to dramatically change out inward-looking culture. Well said – and best wishes for whatever use you find for your talents in the future.

I hope they open up those slots for more useful debate.