About Calderdale Liberal Democrats

Local Democracy 

We are a grass roots democratic party. All of our policy is voted on by our members on a one member one vote basis. Locally we hold policy days to create a manifesto to run Calderdale Council. All of the positions within our local party, and all of our candidates, are democratically selected by our members. By joining Calderdale Liberal Democrats you will get a real say in the topics and issues we campaign on, and the policies you want us to implement on the Council. 

Hard Work All Year Around

Liberal Democrat Councillors pride themselves on working hard all year around. Too often other parties just turn up at election time asking for your vote. We strive to keep in touch with the people we represent with Focus newsletters, and regular online content. 

Community Action

As Liberal Democrats we strive to implement community politics. This is a way of solving political problems that seeks to actively engage and listen to the views of the local community. We seek to set up active community groups to bring people together to solve problems, and where possible to devolve power from central government and local government to local community groups. We are great supporters of localism, devolution and Town and Parish Councils. 

Our Vision for Calderdale Council

We seek to create an environmentally sound and forward looking local Council. A Council that embraces technology, free trade and free ideas to deliver services in partnership with the local community. A Council that promotes equality, human rights and freedoms, and delivers high quality value for money services that are democratically controlled by the local community. 

Internationalist Liberals

Liberalism is a political and rich philosophical tradition. It has been at the heart of many great reforms in this country. Did you know for instance that it was Liberals who first introduced the State Pension? Or paved the way for the introduction of the NHS through the Beveridge report? 

At its core Liberalism is a belief in freedom, that humanity is at its best when citizens are free. We believe therefore that the freedom of individuals should only be curtailed when it impacts upon others. The great Liberal philosopher John Stuart Mill summed this up in his 'harm principle' which holds that the actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals.

As Liberals we are internationalists. Our responsibility for justice and liberty cannot be confined by national boundaries; we are committed to fight poverty, oppression, hunger, ignorance, disease and aggression wherever they occur and to promote the free movement of ideas, people, goods and services. Setting aside national sovereignty when necessary, we will work with other countries towards an equitable and peaceful international order and a durable system of common security.