Lib Dem Conference begins

The Liberal Democrats have gathered in Liverpool for their annual conference, amidst delight at returning to power and rumblings of discontent over the coalition with the Conservatives.

The conference, their first as a party of government, will be watched far more keenly than usual, with concern over some aspects of the deal with the Conservatives and particularly the party's unimpressive poll ratings since the election in May.

The press and public attention on the Lib Dems is greater than ever before given their presence in government.

Because of the party's federal nature, decisions will be openly debated and decided upon at conference, though it remains unclear how this will work in practice, with Lib Dem ministers possibly torn between government and party responsibilities.