sunlightatnight: We need stable opposition - an open letter to the LPUK

As a Solidarity MP and Cabinet Minister, it can be correctly assumed that I do not see eye to eye with the Libertarian Party on many issues. We both have fundamentally different outlooks on the ways in which the political economy operates, and the role government should play in improving things. With that said, I would not blame readers for assuming I would be delighting in LPUK's newfound political alienation and its failure to find consensus with other parties.  Yet this could not be further from the truth.

While of course I am incredibly pleased with the emergence of the budding Rose Government and look forward to seeing it bring political change, the fumbling from Her Majesty's Opposition does us all a disservice. Parliamentary democracy is built on the principle that opposing parties will have the ability to constructively engage with those in power, and will be able to hold us to account when necessary. However, the details revealed in u/KalvinLokan's excellent article reveal that the current opposition finds itself paranoid and unable to negotiate; even with its natural coalition partners, the Conservatives.

In the wake of this, you may expect the Libertarians to be working on regrouping and rebuilding their relationships with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Yet the attitude taken on by the Libertarian press machine and their allies in the media has not suggested the party is going to begin a period of reconciliation. Instead the Express has taken up petty fights over the election a week too late, while Friedmanite himself finds himself boasting about the size of his bulldog in a manner rather unbecoming of his position. In fact, the word 'petty' seems to sum up the entire attitude of the LPUK post-election. This may be acceptable from a smaller party, but Britain deserves better from the largest party in the Commons.

I understand that many members of LPUK will be disillusioned at the moment, finding themselves unable to form a government even despite impressive election results. Yet u/Friedmanite19 and his party now have a duty to fulfil on behalf of the British people. That duty must start with a period of internal reflection and soul-searching on how the party has gained such a toxic perception among its natural allies. I want this government to face a grilling in parliament. I want bills to be improved with constructive amendments. I want this cabinet held to a high standard. Yet I am still waiting to see proof that the current opposition is either willing or capable of offering this.

Naturally, Libertarians will be wondering if their leader's time is up. Perhaps, like Moses, Fried will not see the promised land of dystopic deregulation that he promised to lead them to; though the man himself is not looking willing to make a gracious departure from the leadership. But with few political allies, a seeming lack of direction and a hostile attitude, the case for a successor is strong. I hope I am wrong - perhaps behind the notoriously closed doors of LPUK HQ, a plan is being hatched to allow the opposition to live up to its role. For now, we must wait patiently to see if Fried can whip his party into a position where it can do just that.

SunlightAtNight MP is the Secretary of State for Business and Economic Development. His views are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Independent or its editorial board.