National Liberal Alliance renamed to Whig Party
Thursday 24th October saw the National Liberal Alliance (NLA), one of Austenasia’s three political parties, renamed to the Whig Party. The change was announced by Duke Bradley of Dullahan, Minister of Defence, who serves as the party’s Secretary. In comments made for the Austenasian Times, Duke Bradley explained that the change in name to the Whig Party was made in part to avoid the negative connotations often associated in today’s political climate with the term “liberal,” as well as to underscore similarities with the historical British party of the same name. The Duke of Dullahan stated that the Whig Party will stand “for the rights of the individual, for freedom and prosperity. Our stance is clear: the Throne is the anointed protector of the liberties given to all individuals, and we will strive to protect them.” Since its creation in May earlier this year, the Whig Party (then NLA) has been in government, serving in coalition with the centre-left Imperial Party. The two governing parties have one and three Representatives respectively. The only other currently registered Austenasian political party is the socially conservative Fatherland Party, with three Representatives.
National Liberal Alliance established, forms coalition with Imperial Party
As partisan politics sees a resurgence in Austenasian political culture, the National Liberal Alliance has been established by Lord John Gordon, Viscount of Thetford and HG Duke Bradley of Dullahan. The National Liberal Alliance, or NLA, describes itself as a classical liberal and monarchist party. The NLA registered with the Secretary-General’s Office earlier today following weeks of deliberation between its founders. Lord Gordon, who currently serves as Representative of Palasia and has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, was selected as the party’s first chairman. Duke Bradley, who currently serves as Minister of Defence, Princeps Senatus and Commissioner of the Border Enforcement Agency, has been named party secretary. In the hours following the establishment of the NLA, talks were held between the party’s leadership and the Prime Minister Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy – Leader of the Imperial Party – in regards to the creation of a coalition between the two parties. A decision was reached, and the newly formed coalition now holds five out of eight Cabinet positions and three out of seven seats in the House of Representatives. The establishment of the NLA follows the establishment of the Fatherland Party, a socially conservative organization, last month by Lord Dionisiy Tedzhan-Smahin, Count of West Frisia – the Representative of Theodosiopolis – and Lord Edward Gundersen, Count of New Grémmia – the Representative of Dragovina. The Fatherland Party currently holds two seats in the House of Representatives.
