Tom Brake

With Parliament prorogued and the focus of the political world on Brexit controversy, the Liberal Democrats have enjoyed a week on the beach.

So, what have we learned from this year's conference?

Stand back, Che Guevara , Samuel L Jackson and Frank Spencer hate, there is a new legendary beret on the stage. Maggie Turner, from bath, says she'll make a big trading house-designed, European-themed headgear at this year's Lib dem conference.

The prototype for yellow-on-blue beret, the shadow of the late-summer sunshine, which have been designed outside the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), dishes towels. So far, Maggie says that of 8,000 conventional felt-tip version were sold, including "several" to the delegates.

It is no surprise, of course, But the strength of the anti-British EU exit feeling to the usually rather restrained party "get-together" falls in this year.

In her Speech , leader Jo Swinson , said leaving the EU without a deal would be "life in danger" and described Boris Johnson 's actions as "disgusting".

If you had a side-swipe at the PM, of whom you blame for the current impasse, the activists stomped on the ground in the support.

A slogan, with a curse word and the "B-word" was often displayed here, too.

they also voted on Monday for the case of a Lib -Dem government.

But not everyone, the Lib Dem call for the benefit of The Party , the new policy to oppose (article 50), if the Liberal Democrats win the next General elections.

MP Norman Lamb has warned that this amounts to "playing with fire", to alienate the potentially, the 52% of voters, the Exit secured 2016 referendum.

There was evidence before the conference began that another MP would Move Over the Lib Dems, the following Luciana Berger , Chuka Umunna , Phillip Lee et al. But who?

We will on Saturday know if Ex-Tory Sam Gyimah took to the stage with Ms Swinson, glasses, a smile and. a blue sweater. His New Party is yellow/gold signature hue would have merged with the background, to the main stage at the BIC.

"It is easy enough for a Conservative Like Me ," he said, as he explained, the reason for his out move kicked from The Party over its attitude to Brexit and its subsequent.

That leaves the Liberal Democrats with 18 members. Not to reveal rumours that MS Swinson was going to be a more convert during your Speech - But it's not. More To Follow?

Back in 1981, the Liberal leader, David Steel famous activists at a rally said to celebrate, a go together with the newly formed SDP: "Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government. "

It proved to be, shall we say, a little wide of The Mark , with the help of Margaret Thatcher the Conservatives winning a landslide in the next elections. Liberal and Lib dem leaders were as cautious in their forecasts, even during the "Cleggmania" of 2010, when The Party briefly led in some polls.

But the leadership that his company pro-Stay attitude can win seats at The General election that most experts predict will be released later this year. New recruit Chuka Umunna sets The Number to 200.

Until Now , the Lib Dems, which tend to be resource-rich to certain viewpoints, talked about the possibility of a couple of dozen gains.

A senior party source told the BBC that Ms Swinson had to "rise to the occasion", you your first conference Speech as leader, and your message was clear

"Let me be clear," She Said . "There is No Limit To My ambition for our party. And today I stand here as your candidate for the Prime Minister . "

Not as direct as Mr steel, But a sign of the growing ambition?

Lord Ashdown - Lib dem leader from 1988 to 1999 , used to enjoy mixing with members during the conference in the evening, with a drink and a cigarette. But the larger-than-life former Royal Marine and diplomat died last December.

Elizabeth Jewkes, the Deputy Chairman of the Lib Dem women's group, was brewed in the presentation of this bottle is specially Ashdown's Ale dating back to the year 1997 - on your stall in the conference centre.

"We miss him," she says. "He could take The Mick out of himself, and he was so funny. And he was absolutely gorgeous. "

the Tribute were paid to praise in the Main Hall , with former rival Tony Blair , via video, Lord Ashdown dignity and decency. Ms Jewkes hopes of giving away the bottle of beer in the near future.

Every year, droves of Lib Dems mill around the stall selling party-related paraphernalia. And the question is always the same: the MP ' s face shifted, the majority of cups (cost £8 per)?

Well, it wasn't Gera and Wallington Tom Brake (image above). An employee told the BBC that the leader Jo Swinson has sold all of the rivals. In fact, the 30-cups bearing her image went from Saturday afternoon.

the Other only had 20 cups printed to your honor. Most are gone, But , from a quick tally, five of Alistair show Carmichael, a long-time member of Parliament for the Orkney and Shetland Islands, remain in the Sale - The Most .

Unfortunately, we can't judge the popularity of The Party were not new recruits - including Mr Gyimah, Mr Umunna and MS Berger - their official photos done In Time to be immortalized on dishwashable china drinking vessels.

it is expected to be ready for next year's conference in York .

Source of news: bbc.com