Lib Dems Are The Party Of Community Politics - Farron

South Lakes MP and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron addressed the Lib Dem Spring conference yesterday, calling for a renewed focus on community politics.

Tim told the conference that as Lib Dems, "we start, not with politics but with people, with communities". He added that the party must fight back "by making a virtue of the fact that there is more to life than Westminster… Community politics is what we are for."

Tim insisted that "no matter the office", the Lib Dems must remain "true to our instincts", adding "It's time to focus not on parliamentary games, but on real life. It's time we got back to community politics."

Tim referenced Lib Dem led community initiatives across the country, including his successful campaign to bring chemotherapy to Kendal.

Tim also paid tribute to those across the north of the country who had suffered during the recent floods. Tim said: "when I look around York, as I did on Friday, I see the same tremendous spirit I see at home in Cumbria - testament to the determination of people who come together and support one another. When a community is tested, you see its true character. And as we can see by being here for Conference, York is open for business - Cumbria, the Scottish borders, the north, we're all open for business. Even when this Government is barely lifting a finger to help, the spirit of the people is the real northern powerhouse."