Liberal Democrat Leader Visits East Midlands Conference at the Guildhall, Northampton

Liberal Democrats from across the East Midlands Region attended their Autumn 2026 conference in Northampton over the weekend. 

The conference was opened by West Northamptonshire Liberal Democrat Chair, Jill Hope, and the leader of the Liberal Democrats at West Northamptonshire, Cllr Jonathan Harris.

The keynote speech was delivered by Sir Ed Davey and covered a range of topics, including the UK’s relationship with Europe, fair elections, children with Special Educational Needs and the care system.

Ed Davey then presented a range of awards which included a number of Winners and Commendations for West Northamptonshire Liberal Democrat members.  These included:

• Unsung Hero - a person not in elected office who gives a significant contribution to the party

Rupert Knowles (winner)

• Outstanding contribution to regional success by a member of the Young Liberals

Ed Norris (winner)

• Outstanding Leadership, Dedication or Success in Local Government

Cllr Jonathan Harris (Highly Commended)

Former Councillor Dennis Meredith (Highly Commended)

• Best election campaign - the Local Team who have had a significant success or successes.

West Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats (Highly Commended)

• Local Government Roll of honour – people serving (or will have served by next May) 25 years or more on principle local authorities.

Former Councillor Sally Beardsworth 

Jill Hope, West Northamptonshire Local Party Chair says, “ We were absolutely delighted to have been asked to host the Autumn Conference this year, and I would like to say a big thank you to the organising committee and to the Northampton Town and Country Club who hosted our networking lunch”.