I think the LibDems are dying on their feet, they're down to 8 MPs and have no leader. And probably no purpose. Their behaviour during the ConDem pact where they enabled to entire Tory austerity campaign has revealed them as merely moderate conservatives willing to trample over every last stated principle for the illusion of power.

There was once a time when they split the anti-tory vote, providing a bolthole for Labour supporters upset over perceived slights. But no more, they're seen as tories, they governed as tories and nobody to the left of them will ever trust them again.

As I say, with the Tory split more likely, the schism being pro business pro-customs union versus anti europe swash-bucking free trade brexiteers, I'd say that Heidi allen's role was to be a more welcoming face for the fleeing Tories than the ex-Labour Umunna.

keep to the Fen Causeway