Exactly how much power do you want a leader to have?

The recent debate on the disciplinary structure of the Liberal Democrats has been fascinating, albeit in a "gosh, that's an awful train wreck, I hope that nobody's been too badly hurt" sort of way. And whilst I really don't have anything to say on the specifics of the matter, the question of the power of the Leader has intrigued me.

Not to be used on the membership, please, Nick...

There have been demands for action that seem, on the face of it, to be quite attractive. Something must, it seems, be done, although what exactly it should be, and by whom it should be done, is the subject of much angst. The media have it easy, in that they can attack Nick Clegg for not assuming dictatorial powers and simply issuing orders. And, indeed, some of our members and activists appear quite relaxed about that. "Change the disciplinary rules!", is the cry, "Deny the whip!".

And yet, if my understanding is correct, we are a political party based on the notion that power is to be shared, indeed to be almost given away by our currently over-dominant centre, so that power can be exercised at the most appropriate level. Indeed, our constitution is an attempt to demonstrate how it might be done, empowering Local Parties, Regions, Specified Associated Organisations and the like to take on a range of functions within a defined framework. For the most part, it works, and whilst one might grumble about the quality of leadership at various levels in particular instances, I seldom find myself wishing that it were fundamentally different.

What I don't want is for an unaccountable person in the Leader's Office to have the ability to override the democratic checks and balances of the Party, regardless of how legitimate their intentions are, just because it's 'easier' that way.

So, instead of demanding that something be done, why not respond in a properly liberal manner, and establish some proper transparency and accountability within our Party? Instead of a myriad of anonymous committees, why not publish details of the structure of the Party on its website, explaining what each committee does, and who sits on it. You could, if you wish, include contact details.

What we have at the moment is a political party which believes in democracy, indeed lives it in its every action, yet accountability, especially at more senior levels, is blurred. Revisions to the membership rules would require the approval of the relevant State Party, in my case, via English Council, so it would be nice to know who they are, in order to lobby them should I feel so inclined.

Knowing who represents us, and how they were appointed, is a vital element of our democracy, something which is just as true as a member of an organisation as it is as a citizen in a participatory democracy. As Liberal Democrats, we are in a position to set an example, and I can't help feeling that we have a duty to take a lead.