In 1988 , the Liberals merged with the Social Democratic Party , formed by dissident Labour Party members in 1981 , to create the Liberal Democrats .
The Liberal Party was formed in 1859 , but through its roots in the Whig Party dates back to the late 1670s .
In 1988 , the Liberal Party merged with the Social Democratic Party , formed by dissident Labour Party members in 1981 , to create the Liberal Democrats .
The Liberal Party was formed in 1859 , but through its roots in the Whig Party dates back to the late 1670s .