THE Lib Dems must brace themselves for a collective shudder: their conference next year is to be in Blackpool, whose kiss-me-quick charms are anathema to the party’s membership.
They last went to Blackpool in 1990 and, after wind, rain and culture shock, resolved never to return.
The Lib Dem autumn confence in 2005 was due to be at Gateshead but, the organisers found out too late, clashed with the Great North Run, which meant too few affordable hotel beds would be free.