Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for St Albans, shares her journey from aspiring conductor to influential politician. She reflects on her rise in the political arena and discusses her ambitions for future leadership. Daisy dives into the dynamics of having 72 colleagues in Parliament, revealing insights on the Liberal Democrats' strategies and responses to the current Labour government and Conservative race. With a background in law and a stint at a Commonwealth think tank, she offers a unique perspective on governance and accountability.
Daisy Cooper's journey from a passionate activist to deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats illustrates her commitment to advocacy and representation in politics.
Cooper's emphasis on the importance of local connections highlights her strategic approach to enhance the Liberal Democrats' influence in an evolving political landscape.
Deep dives
Daisy Cooper's Early Influences and Ambitions
Daisy Cooper's childhood was marked by an early passion for activism and environmentalism, beginning with her initiatives to plant trees and her efforts to raise funds for elephant conservation. She fondly recalls memories of her idyllic upbringing in Suffolk, which allowed her to appreciate both the beauty of nature and the complexities of life, attending both private and state schools. Despite enjoying a mixed education, she identified herself as academically inclined, balancing her studies with social interactions among various peer groups. Her early love for music and ambition to become a conductor eventually led her to pursue law, recognizing the stability it could provide over a music career.
Transition to Politics and Foundational Experiences
Cooper's entry into politics was catalyzed by her concerns over civil liberties and authoritarian government actions she observed during her late twenties. Despite having no early involvement in party politics, she felt compelled to act after witnessing a dismal media interview by a government minister, prompting her to join the Liberal Democrats. Initially drawn to human rights and environmental law, she found more immediate satisfaction in advocating for change through political engagement rather than legal pathways. Through various internships and roles, her proactive approach culminated in organizing a significant diplomatic meeting at the United Nations at a young age, showcasing her capability in both leadership and advocacy.
Navigating Political Challenges and Achievements
Following a challenging election landscape for the Liberal Democrats, Cooper secured her position in Parliament as the MP for St Albans in 2019 amidst a turbulent environment for her party. She encountered mixed emotions when celebrating her victory while learning of Jo Swinson's loss, highlighting the complexities of political success intertwined with broader party struggles. As deputy leader, Cooper emphasized the importance of media presence for the party's survival and worked on internal reforms to enhance representation and candidate selection. Her commitment to maintaining liberal values while addressing political challenges is reflected in her approach to guiding the party forward.
Vision for the Liberal Democrats and Political Landscape
Cooper envisions the Liberal Democrats as a constructive opposition party under the current government, advocating for positive change while identifying and challenging any wrongdoings. Her strategic focus is on engaging with constituents to identify key issues, reinforcing the importance of local connections in politics. The recent shift in the political landscape, including shifts in party leadership and public perceptions, presents opportunities for the Liberal Democrats to reclaim influence in various constituencies. Cooper's experience emphasizes collaboration and rooting candidates in their communities to enhance the party's prospects for future elections.
Daisy Cooper has been a stalwart of the Liberal Democrats for over a decade. From councillor to MP, she has served as the deputy leader of the party since 2020. First elected to parliament in 2019, she came to prominence when she represented the party in two of the general election debates earlier this year.
On the podcast, Daisy talks to Katy Balls about her ambition to be a conductor, how she created her first job, and whether she’d like to be leader one day. As the Liberal Democrats are now the largest third party in Parliament for 100 years – with 72 MPs – Daisy tells Katy what it’s like to have so many colleagues, and provides her diagnoses about both the Labour government and the Conservative leadership race.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode