Obligatory #VoteLayla rationale thread!

I'm a wonky, technical type who stays in the background and doesn't like making quick decisions. But I was for Layla Moran on day one. Why?

Firstly, yes, there are some emotions here. GE2017 was my first GE as a member, and Layla's victory was the highlight of the night. Our previous parliament consisted of eight white, middle-aged men. They were all lovely, but we didn't look like the progressive party we are.

I don't believe in voting for people on identity alone, but representation matters, and given a selection of candidates more or less equally skilled and reliable, I will pick the minority candidate(s).

There's data to suggest this is a good idea.

In general, woman candidates outperform men at the ballot box. Also, minority leaders create groundswells of minority activism, increasing representation at every level.

It's almost as if, when we elect minority leaders, a lot of minority prejudice gets in the bin. Cool, huh?

But let's talk about Layla's expertise. She's a teacher - ok, I'm biased, so am I.

@JustinTrudeau was a teacher. @SenWarren was a teacher. @BarackObama was a teacher. Just saying...

She's also gotten her teeth into Parliament in some critical roles, often working across party lines to build the Lib Dems and the country. Watching her laughing and joking with @CarolineLucas on the opposition benches always makes my heart glow.

I could list a bunch of #MoranPlan policies I like, but the thing I like best? They're *OUR* policies. Layla understands that ordinary Liberal Demorat members are responsible for the party policy. That's essential to our brand and to our movement. We need a leader who listens.

We also need a leader who sells. It's not pretty or convenient, but the right-wing media will tear into us at every chance. If you compare and contrast Layla vs Ed on TV and radio, it's pretty clear that Layla is calmer, smarter, clearer, and she always gets the message across.

She also gets a LOT MORE coverage. ICYMI, Ed Davey is the current leader of the party. But Layla has a bigger social media following and regular articles across the traditional media landscape, including in places where we don't usually get a hearing.

You'd be forgiven for thinking Layla was our leader already. She's been taking our case everywhere, gaining support wherever she goes.

So, let's make it official.

#VoteLayla.

/thread