Britain's Liberal Democrats launch new think tank, The Britain Project
The UK Liberal Democrats have set up a new think tank called The Britain Project as the party searches for a clearer political identity.
The UK's Liberal Democrats have announced the creation of a new think tank called The Britain Project.
The move comes as the centrist party wrestles internally with questions about its future political direction. Party members have reportedly been debating whether the Liberal Democrats should move closer to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, seen by many as a potential future leader of the Labour Party, or instead chart an independent course.
At present, the Liberal Democrats' centrist bloc in parliament is giving the prime minister and the governing Labour Party some political breathing space. However, a number of the party's MPs have expressed a desire for a more distinctive vision that sets the Liberal Democrats apart from other parties.
Against this backdrop, the newly formed think tank could serve as a platform for the party to develop its longer-term political program and identity, as it tries to balance cooperation with the governing Labour Party against the need to maintain a distinct political profile in the eyes of voters.
