Liberal Youth launch

Last night was the launch of the new Liberal Youth or (LY) as it will soon be known amongst opposition parties, at trendy urban venue, 93 Feet East, Brick Lane.

Having been national Secretary of predecessor organisation Liberal Democrat Youth in 1992, (which then became Liberal Democrat Youth and Students), this was a touching event for an old man like myself to be invited to attend, or rather hide in the corner not understanding the music or language (thank-you 'blood' I am 'safe', kind of you to ask) until a couple of other ancient stragglers turned up as well... you know who you are... (my excuse was official photographer).

Our decrepitude was confirmed when the 23 year old Chair announced, after two long years in the job he was retiring.

I have to say much has changed since the early 1990s. For starters the event was heaving, overflowing the main venue into two side rooms and an outdoor terrace. Possibly around 250-300 people.

Further everyone was frankly rather normal. This was not 30 socially awkward policy geeks stuffed into a cold gymnasium in Hull discussing abolishing the monarchy while agonising whether or not the cheesy nibbles were vegan. (With apologies to Alex Wilcock and James Graham)

It reminded me more of the highly popular Young Fabian society in the late 1990s, but without the ill-fitting suits and tendency to regard humour as a sign of subversiveness.

So all in all a bright future for Liberal Youth, which bodes well for the future health of the Liberal Democrat party.

I expect to see many of those in attendance on the parliamentary and Council circuit in future... at which point I expect to receive some requests to have some of the other photos from the night destroyed... an old man needs a retirement income...