Ruth has just returned from the Liberal Democrat Party conference in Liverpool.

What a busy week it was. It’s the first time (since the 1930s) where the Liberal Democrats have been a Party of Government, and as a result there was more media interest making this was by far the largest Lib Dem (or Liberal) conference in living memory – with over 7000 people attending.

Conference is a busy mix of debates, speeches, training and “fringe” events. So there was no shortage of events to keep the delegates from Headington and East Oxford busy throughout the week.

Conference kicked off on Saturday with a Conference “rally” with Nick Clegg MP and Art Malik launching the Liberal Democrat support for the “Fairer Votes” referendum next May.

Sunday saw Q&A with the Deputy Prime Minister, where ordinary Party members got an opportunity to ask Nick about his role in Government.

Monday was dominated by the Leader’s speech. Normally we have this at the end of Conference, but Nick Clegg had to go to address the United Nations!

Tuesday’s main speech was from Deputy Leader Simon Hughes MP.

Wednesday the main speech was Vince Cable.

Some in the media probably expected this first conference “in Government” to be a difficult one for the Liberal Democrats. Our experience was the exact opposite.

The Liberal Democrats at long last are delivering on our promises for a fairer Britain, a fair start for children, sorting out the economy and cleaning up politics.  Thousands of new members have joined the Liberal Democrats since the coalition was announced in May and there was a real “buzz” that this is a Party which is up to the challenge of Government and clearing up the mess left by Labour.

Debates in the main conference hall included an important debate on International Development, and one where delegates reaffirmed Party policy that the replacement of Trident missiles should be reconsidered, along with passing a resolution calling for equality in the laws around marriage (for mixed-sex and same-sex couples).

It was also a busy week for delegates’ training – everything from being a better councillor to communicating well with local people.

There is more information on Conference on the national Party website