Councillor Trish Fivey represents the Sutton South ward as a member of the Liberal Democrat Party. Her active roles within the council include serving as the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.
Trish Fivey collaborates with fellow councillors Richard Clifton and Louise Phelan to serve the Sutton South community. She maintains a strong participation record across multiple council committees, emphasizing her engagement in local governance.
Her committee roles extend to Environment and Sustainable Transport, Housing, Economy and Business (as a substitute), Planning, and Scrutiny (as a substitute). Additionally, she is involved in the Sutton South, Cheam, and Belmont Local Committee.
Councillor Fivey holds regular surgeries for residents on the second Saturday of each month at Morrisons and the third Saturday near the St Nicholas shopping centre entrance opposite M&S, from 11 am to 12 noon. These sessions do not require appointments, allowing easy access for community members seeking assistance or to discuss local issues.
She is committed to fostering a respectful community environment, as evidenced by her pledge to the Anti-Bullying Alliance to "Choose Respect," reject bullying, and lead by example in her councillor duties.
Trish Fivey remains active in her community beyond council meetings, engaging with residents to address their concerns and improve the local area in line with Liberal Democrat values and policies.
The Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom are founded on a blend of liberal and social democratic ideologies. They primarily advocate for social liberalism, which supports wealth redistribution while maintaining a critical view of increased state power.
The party emphasizes the intrinsic link between liberty and equality, promoting investments and progressive taxation alongside championing civil liberties and advocating for a less centralized economy. This approach sets them apart from many European liberal parties, which often focus more on classical liberalism.
The Liberal Democrats position themselves across the centre to centre-left spectrum, fluctuating in emphasis over time. Historically seen as centre-left, they were perceived as more centrist during the Cameron–Clegg coalition era.
Economically, they often find themselves between the Conservative and Labour parties, generally leaning closer to Labour. Influential figures like Leonard Hobhouse and Anthony Crosland have notably shaped the party's ideology, particularly in aligning with Crosland's vision of social democracy.
The party is a strong proponent of constitutional reforms, advocating for a decentralized federal structure within the UK, including significant devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and English regions. They have consistently supported electoral reforms towards more proportional representation and maintain progressive stances on social issues like LGBT rights and drug reforms.
Their internationalist outlook is evidenced by their sustained advocacy for European integration, including support for the UK adopting the euro, while opposing a European army.
There is a notable ideological diversity within the Liberal Democrats, with various factions advocating different shades of liberal thought. The majority faction, the Social Liberal Forum, supports extensive social liberal policies.
Other groups like the Liberal Reform and "Orange Bookers" propose more economically liberal policies. The party has also debated but not implemented policies like all-women shortlists, reflecting ongoing discussions about equality and representation methods.
The Liberal Democrats have a history of supporting social welfare spending and economic policies that balance free market operations with social protection mechanisms. They have proposed various reforms over the years, including education investment, opposition to further privatization or nationalization, and tax reforms aimed at supporting lower-income groups while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The party has taken a strong stance on several international issues, supporting interventions where internationally lawful and advocating for responsible foreign policies regarding arms and conflict. They have been a vocal proponent of the UK's involvement in the European Union, promoting policies that enhance integration while also accommodating Eurosceptic perspectives within the party at times.