Lib Dems oppose Coalition plans for "Free Schools"
It can't be just the delights of Liverpool and the city's sparkling new arena and convention centre that's attracted so many Liberal Democrats.
In the years I've been on the conference circuit, I've never seen quite as many Liberal Democrats under one roof. It may be part celebration that Lib Dems are finally in government. It may also be to ensure that - as Nick Clegg told the rank and file here - Liberal Democrat policies really are at the heart of the Coalition.
The spending cuts agenda isn't the only test. Education and the Conservatives' enthusiasm for "free schools" - allowing parents to set up and run their own community schools - is another policy area where the two parties may have differences.
Paul Holmes is backing moves to strengthen the Lib Dems' opposition to free schools.The former Chesterfield MP should know: he was a school teacher before becoming the first Lib Dem MP in the East Midlands.
"Free schools are just a ridiculous idea," he told me.
Paul Holmes has been to Sweden and New York, where the idea of "free schools" has been pioneered.
"There's already survey evidence from Sweden showing how socially divisive these schools become.The Tories may support them but that's no reason why we should fall into line."That's backed up the leader of the Lib Dems on Leicestershire County Council, Simon Galton. He believes the 'free schools' may be attractive to parents in areas where existing schools are closing or maybe merging because the number of pupils are falling, such as Melton Mowbray and Louguborough.
"It's a simplistic answer to think that 'Free Schools' are a solution. Public money should be invested in good local schools and not creamed off for an experiment that may prove socially divisive."For Liberal Democrats, this issue may offer the membership some clear political water for them to happily bash the Tories...without unhinging the Coalition's leadership.
Hello. My name is John Hess. I'm the BBC's Political Editor for the East Midlands and this blog will offer my musings on the political scene from Westminster to closer to home. 
