My post election thoughts

I had two new year resolutions this year: 

1) Get fit

2) Get more politically active. 

I have thrown myself into getting fit. I joined a gym, hired a personal trainer and can definitely see the benefits. 

However I have done very little towards being more politically active this year. I did nothing locally for the election but did some delivering for a friend standing locally in a different county. I was on annual leave on Thursday but just went to the gym. When people asked what I thought of the election I described myself as apathetic. I knew I would be interested in the results but not enough to be more active.

But then I saw the exit poll and realised that I cared way more than I thought I did. 

My last 24 hours match the five stages of grief:

• Denial - The exit poll can't be right
• Anger - How dare people punish good Lib Dem (former) MPs
• Bargaining - I'll be happy to keep Ed Balls and even get Nigel Farage in return for Vince Cable
• Depression - The end of the world is nigh. The Tories will run riot without the Lib Dems to moderate them. What can we do with only 8 MPs?
• Acceptance - People didn't believe that the Lib Dems were a force for good. That can change. I believe in democracy and the people have spoken. Seats will never match votes but this is ridiculous! 

Now is the time to rebound...

What next personally?I will get involved locally. I will campaign for PR for local elections, an English parliament, a proper federal UK, and to stay in EU.

What next for the Lib Dems?There clearly will be new leadership but I hope there is not just a coronation for Tim Farron. We need to spend the next five years rebuilding support at all levels.