Oxford University Liberal Democrats

Oxford University Liberal Democrats (OULD) is the student branch of the Liberal Democrats for students at both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. Previously called the Oxford Student Liberal Society, it is the successor to both Oxford University Liberal Club and Oxford University Social Democrats (founded in 1981), which voted to merge early in 1987, about a year in advance of the national parties.

History

As the OU Liberal Club was founded in 1913, OULD is amongst the oldest political clubs at British universities. It was formed from a merger of two older Liberal societies at Oxford, the Russell Club, and the Palmerston Club, both of which dated to at least the 1870s.

Elections

Its members are active in local campaigns, especially in parliamentary elections. Towards the late 20th century, Oxford West and Abingdon was a Conservative – Liberal Democrat marginal. It returned Dr Evan Harris from 1997 until 2010, when he was defeated by Nicola Blackwood, a Conservative candidate. At the 2005 general election, there was an 11.2% swing towards the Lib Dems in Oxford East, which had traditionally been a safe Labour seat. The margin of victory for Andrew Smith in 2005 was 963 votes - a 90% decrease from 2001. However, at the 2010 general election, Andrew Smith achieved a 4.1% swing in his favour, holding the seat for Labour by a margin of 4,581 votes.