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Liberal Democrats
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Nick Clegg stands at a podium with a sign reading LibDems.org.uk, gesturing with both hands, against a bright yellow background. Map of the United Kingdom color-coded by region to show the results of the 2005 general election. Regions in England are shaded mostly red and blue, representing Labour and Conservative party wins, with Labour dominating the north and London, and Conservatives leading in the south and east. Scotland is mainly red for Labour, with some yellow for Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party. Wales is mostly red for Labour, and Northern Ireland is divided among several parties, including Democrat Map of the United Kingdom showing the results of the 2010 general election by region, with areas color-coded for the leading party: blue for Conservative, red for Labour, yellow for Liberal Democrats, green for Sinn Fein, and other colors for regional parties. Regional seat totals are labeled, and a legend lists the total national seats won by each party.
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Liberal Democrats

political party, United Kingdom
Also known as: Social and Liberal Democratic Party
Written by
Paul David Webb
Chair, British and Comparative Politics, University of Sussex, Brighton, England. Author of The Modern British Party System and Trade Unions and the British Electorate. Associate and Reviews...
Paul David Webb
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

Liberal Democrats, British political party founded in 1988 through a merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In the middle ground between the dominant Labour Party and Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats occupy a centre-left libertarian position. The Liberals became a recognizable political party in the mid-19th century. Dedicated to the extension of civil rights and social welfare, they were the principal opposition to the Conservative Party until the rise of...

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