An image of Hannah Kitching sitting on the BBC Politics North sofa flanked by Richard Burgon Labour MP and Cllr Chris Steward (Conservative, York). A caption indicates the discussion is about the countdown to local elections. Hannah Kitching is speaking while the two men appear to hang on her every word.

Last Sunday (Feb 8th) I was invited onto BBC Politics North to discuss the Mandelson/Epstein scandal, Keir Starmer's political future, the appalling state of local train services and - of course - why people should vote Lib Dem in May's local elections 🧡

Watch here ⬇️
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Imagine being turned away from a bathroom, hospital, or cinema for “not looking female enough”. The leaked EHRC guidance could do just that. Along with my Lib Dem colleagues, I’ve written to the Minister calling for new, inclusive, practical guidance that protects everyone’s rights.

This. Digital ID? Fine. Streamline what we already have.

Mandatory digital ID? Absolutely not fine at all. Let people live their lives in peace.

I was absolutely thrilled to see Chris Northwood win the Patsy Calton prize, supported by @libdemwomen.bsky.social who champion, support and fight for the rights of all women.

Wes Streeting is unpleasant.

Anyone who has attended a session that I am chairing knows that this doesn't fly with me.

If you want to make a speech submit a speaker's card 🙏🏻

But when we join forces we're unstoppable.

And if you want to see that in action, come along to the How To Survive Conference training session with @hannahk-ld.bsky.social (Type A queen) and me (Type B monster) at 9.30am in The Westbourne Suite at the BIC #LDConf

Thank you for your support, Lord Shaffaq Mohammed #Kamran4VP

Delighted to endorse my good friend Kamran Hussain @kamhussain.bsky.social for Vice President. Our party needs more Northern voices so we can grow and diversify our membership.

#Diversity is our greatest strength, not a threat to be feared. I believe in a #Liberal Britain where every voice is heard, every #community is respected, and no one is left behind. That’s the future I’m fighting for, that’s why I’m standing to be your next party Vice-President. #Kamran4VP

Absolutely delighted to be endorsing and supporting the wonderful @joshbabarinde.bsky.social to be our next Party President 💛

Why I’m standing to be Party President In November party members will be voting to elect our next Party President. At Lib Dem Voice we welcome posts from each of the candidates – one to launch their candidature (like this one) plus a maxim...

The first campaign launch for this Autumn’s Party Presidential contest came earlier today, as @joshbabarinde.bsky.social went public with an announcement here… www.libdemvoice.org/why-im-stand...

The Liberal Democrats must be the first and last line of defence against the populism infecting our politics.

We need to be ready to fight for the soul of our country.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗜’𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁.

Get involved below 👇

Today marks the beginning of Pride Month - now more than ever, we must stand with the LGBTQ+ community.

I want to make clear that our party will keep fighting - until we can finally build a society where everyone is free to be who they are.

www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/pride-month-2025

A graphic of three intersex progress Pride flags behind a white box, reading: "What does 'better' look like? Revise the Equality Act to: • Protect trans+ and disabled rights • Protect bodily & medical autonomy for all • Recognise non-binary, agender & intersex folks • Codify trans-inclusive meanings of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in law, as originally intended De-medicalise the GRC process Enshrine self-ID in law, as it is in Ireland Abolish the spousal veto Scrap the ban on puberty blockers Scrap plans for ‘chemical castration’ A trans-inclusive ban on ‘conversion therapy’ Ensure same-sex access to IVF treatment Clear out and reform the EHRC so it protects, rather than diminishes, rights Protect LGBT+ expression in public life" The LGBT+ Liberal Democrats logo, with the rainbow bird-of-liberty, is at the bottom.

It's Pride Month 2025 - wherever you are, we hope you have a safe one. 🧡🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

People have rightly been asking what we mean when we say we @libdems.org.uk need to 'do better' or 'step up' as a party. There's no such thing as 'done' of course - but this is what we're pushing for currently.
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Background - progress pride flag. Graphic depiction of four people embracing. "PRIDE". Liberal Democrats logo

Liberal Democrats will keep fighting until we can finally build a society where everyone is free to be who they are.

Also if you zoom in you will see the necklace has a picture of a cow on it which I think is splendid

Hannah smiling wearing a big gold chain with a picture of a cow on it. She is sitting on a wooden throne.

It is a huge honour to announce that I am Mayor of Penistone for the municipal year 2025/2026. I was elected at the annual meeting by Town Council colleagues.

My role as Mayor of Penistone is to chair Town Council meetings and to represent Penistone at various civic events.

A white lady with short dark hair and glasses is smiling and wearing a ceremonial mayoral... necklace? Chain of office? I don't know what those things are called. I do know I prefer her more usual necklace, which says "fuck the patriarchy" in flowing delicate golden script.

Congrats to my good friend @hannahk-ld.bsky.social who is now mayor of Penistone 🖤

Banning care workers from overseas will have devastating consequences for our loved ones who desperately need care, for our care homes who are struggling to recruit the staff they need, and on our already overstretched hospitals.

Graphic titled Liberal Democrats now control more councils than the conservatives - with two bars underneath showing 40 councils controlled by the Lib Dems and 34 by the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrats are now the second largest party of local government, and we’re on track to overtake the Conservatives at the next general election.

Across the country, voters have chosen our community politics over the Conservatives’ division and disdain.

It was a real honour to attend and speak at the trans rights demonstration in Barnsley today. Our trans and non binary community needs support and needs vocal allies now more than ever. Brilliant turnout in our town today.

I am increasingly disappointed that the concerns of the #LGBTQ+ community over what the Supreme Court judgement means for them are not yet being addressed. I have written to the Government asking them to make clear how trans and non binary rights will be protected.

Women have fought for years to be defined as more than just biology. Yesterday's ruling rolls back women's rights by decades. If the EA does not protect trans women then it does not protect any women. Trans rights are human rights 🏳️‍⚧️

If the Equality Act does not protect women then it does not protect women at all. Trans women are women.

This has been a busy and fantastic week on the campaign with MPs, Peers and volunteers from right across the country coming to help the campaign to elect the first ever Lib Dem Metro Mayor - if you can help get in touch.

Lib Dems on highest poll rating with YouGov since before 2019 election:

Lab 24, Ref 23, Con 22, Lib Dem 17, Green 9

YouGov for The Times/Sky, out this morning.

Cllr Hannah Kitching and Cllr Mike Ross smiling cheerily, both holding leaflets urging voters to support Mike for Mayor.

Sunny day out door knocking in Beverley with @cllrmikeross.bsky.social
Lots of voters think he'll do an excellent job as Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor #mike4mayor

Too divisive to lead Britain? The British public share concerns – and positives – of Nigel Farage becoming Prime Minister Main concerns about Farage becoming PM include him being too divisive to lead Britain, his closeness to Donald Trump and doubts that Reform UK have enough talent to lead a competent government.

Who would make the best PM?

@ipsosintheuk.bsky.social for Daily Telegraph has @eddavey.libdems.org.uk top on net scores:

Davey -3
Farage -15
Starmer -20
Badenoch -22

Fulll data: www.ipsos.com/en-uk/too-di...

No single party leader is now trusted on the economy, Opinium found. However, Starmer (-32%) and Reeves (-38%) are the most distrusted, with the Reform leader, Nigel Farage, the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, and shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, all rated similarly on -22%, -23% and -24% respectively.

The magical disappearing Ed Davey, courtesy of The Observer & @opiniumresearch.bsky.social

Poll asks people if they trust various politicians on the economy.

@eddavey.libdems.org.uk comes out with best net score, 16 points better than next best.

See if you can spot what's missing from write-up: