National Liberal Club · 1 Whitehall Place, London
Supporting Liberal Democrat by-elections since 2008, and celebrating one of the great traditions of British Liberalism.
Who we are
The Circle exists to raise funds in support of Liberal Democrat candidates in Westminster by-elections, and to bring members together for engaging evenings with parliamentarians, policy specialists and commentators. Money is raised through our events, through raffles and auctions, and through the regular giving of members to the Orpington Fund.
Revived in 2024, the Circle now runs a flagship In Conversation series pairing Liberal Democrat MPs with senior figures from both Houses, alongside panel discussions, fireside chats and its first Annual Dinner, planned for 2027.
2008
Year the Circle was founded
14
Events held in 2025–26
5
Parliamentary by-elections supported in 2026
From our events
28 September 2026
David Howarth
The Orpington Circle welcomed David Howarth, former Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge and Professor of Law and Public Policy at Cambridge, to introduce his book Being Liberal. The evening covered what makes the liberal disposition distinctive, what liberalism would look like if it took that disposition seriously, and the party's identity today.
15 September 2026
Claire Young MP with Earl Russell
The Orpington Circle welcomed Claire Young MP, Member for Thornbury and Yate, and Earl Russell, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, for an evening on energy, climate and the transition to net zero.
