You are so right about the loss of the tactical votes we had taken from Labour, but there was always “a plague on all your houses” ragbag of votes, many of which will have been sucked-up by the Faragist’s. In truth, Liberal party activists have included some with no real political principles but a desire to be a big fish in a small pool.

Clegg’s leadership in government was poor – interesting that most of the party heavyweights did not have ministerial office – and his General Election centrist stance cut no ice. Liberals and Liberal Democrats have appealed to left-of-centre opinion since at least the time of Jo Grimond.

Our old friend John Clark has reminded us that there is still a Liberal Party, with representation on local councils. Now that Clegg, as well as Huhne, has gone from leadership a reconciliation might be possible. You are right about the ground on which revival should be based. Fifty/sixty seats may not be possible again, but a fighting party that can’t be ignored will rise once more.