Well, we didn't manage to gain a seat on the council but the Daventry District Council results show us back in the contest and challenging what has been a traditional two-party contest.
The Liberal Democrats are the only party fighting to keep Britain open, tolerant and united.
Open means open-hearted, open-minded, forward-looking, modern, green, internationalist and pro-European. We believe Britain is at its best when it is creative, innovative and outward-looking, comfortable in the fast-changing modern world and open to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation and the digital revolution.
Tolerant means diverse, compassionate and generous. We will always fight injustice and stand up for the underdog, the outsider, the individual, the minority and the vulnerable against the powerful.
United means we will always put the interests of the whole United Kingdom first. We reject the divisions in society, whether between young and old, urban and rural, leave and remain, or between regions and nations. We believe we are stronger - as communities, as a country and as a world - when we work together in our common interest.
We believe in Opportunity. That everyone, no matter what your background, should have the same chance in life. We want to fight injustice, reduce inequality and break down the barriers that hold people back, whether it is in schools, the workplace or anywhere people are denied a fair chance.
That starts with a strong and stable economy, fit for the long-term, without which we can't have a strong NHS, good schools and decent public services, and without those creating opportunity is impossible. We are the only party that combines economic competence with a plan for strong public services
No deal Brexit could mean road closures and gridlockat Portsmouth International Port. Three times as many lorries could pass through, causing disruption and pollution.
The Government is trying to force Theresa May's Brexit deal through Parliament - it's not working.
This is yet another display of Government incompetence. It's taking a 'Dad's Army' approach to no deal preparations.
Across the UK, we are asking teams to head out onto the doorsteps and campaign for a final say on the weekend of 12/13th January, just a few days before Parliament votes on Theresa May's disastrous deal.
It is clear Brexit is a national embarrassment and the Conservatives are making an absolute mess of it.
The past few years have seen the worst refugee crisis since the Second World war, as conflict in places like Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Eritrea have forced many thousands of refugees to flee for their lives.
Just 239 of these refugees have attempted to cross the Channel and find refuge in Britain this winter.
As we enter 2019, time is ticking down on Brexit, and with it the whole future of the country.
The history books will look back on these coming three months as critical.It is almost unbelievable that Parliament is waiting a further week to return!
After two long years of negotiation, the Prime Minister has brought back a Brexit deal that satisfies no-one. Her reaction is to try to scare people with the prospect of a 'No Deal' Brexit. In reality, that can't happen unless she decides it should.
Sothe only way forward - now - for the country and the Prime Minister is for the public to have the final say, and the option to Remain.
It's a campaign we Liberal Democrats started more than two years ago. Now millions of people have joined us in demanding a better future than Brexit Britain has to offer.
And the power of the millions who have signed petitions, lobbied their MP, or marched on Parliament - 700,000 of them just this year - is beginning to bear fruit. A People's Vote has moved from being a possibility to being a probability.
Butonly if we keep the pressure up. If we succeed, 2019 will be a year remembered not because we harmed our country with Brexit, but because we - the people - stood up and stopped it.
And if we do that, our Parliament and Government can once again deal with big issues like climate change, rising crime, the social care crisis, homelessness and housing supply, all of which have been neglected because of Brexit.
Enjoy your New Year celebrations and then let's get out there in 2019 and win the fight for a People's Vote and a brighter future for Britain.
Starting next year, Ad Lib will now be an online-only publication, released quarterly. We'll also be sending some of the editions to our members who aren't on email as well.
This Christmas, I have worked with St Giles Trust to learn more about the gang culture which is fuelling knife crime and tragically costing young people their lives. St Giles works directly with those affected, providing education, mentoring and support to fill the void into which gangs otherwise slip.
In the film, I discuss the causes of knife crime with Liam, a St Giles Project Co-ordinator. And we hear the incredibly brave voice of Sophie Kafeero whose own son, Derick, was killed last year - now she is campaigning with her local MP, Ed Davey, to take knives off the street.
As we sit down to our Christmas festivities, I hope the film helps to remind us of those who have lost someone; who have an empty chair at their Christmas table. And helping charities like St Giles is one way we can make a difference.
Since learning of Paddy Ashdown's death last night people have been taking to social media to share their memories of this incredible man.
We've collected a few of those memories of Paddy from members, supporters and the public at large here. You can also share your memories of Paddy and add your name to the book of condolence here: www.libdems.org.uk/book-of-condolence-paddy-ashdown
Earlier this evening, Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats passed away following a short illness.
Our thoughts are with Jane and Paddy's family this evening.
This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for Paddy.
Throughout 2018, Jeremy Corbyn has refused to fight this chaotic, disastrous Brexit.
He has pulled his punches on this Brexit mess. He has let Theresa May off the hook in key votes. He has resisted calls within his own party for a People's Vote. His weak opposition has helped the Conservatives get this far.
