Loose papers relating to the formation and launch of the Social and Liberal Democrats, including:

• Memoranda concerning the structure, staffing and finance of the new party, Nov 1987–Jan 1988, including draft cash flow and budget plans
• Copy of `transitional arrangements' for the union of the SDP and the Liberal Party, and joint SDP/Liberal Negotiating Team brief for drafting of transitional arrangements, 8 Dec 1987
• Copies of the joint SDP/Liberal Negotiating team minutes, Sep-Oct 1987
• Memoranda and papers relating to regional consultation meetings on the merger negotiations, Oct 1987
• Small group of copied letters to SDP leader Robert Maclennan from Roy Evans, Hugh Rice and Frances H. Watkinsin support of the continuation of the SDP as a separate party, Oct 1987
• Copy of statement of reservations concerning the draft constitution of the new party issued by two Liberal negotiators, Rachel Pitchford and Tony Greaves
• Memorandum issued by Richard Newby reporting on references to future relations with the merged party in speech made by David Owen at a Finsbury meeting, 14 Oct 1987
• Copy of booklet Yes issued by pro-merger members of the SDP [Jan 1988] and copy of pro-merger speech by Robert Maclennan made to the Council for Social Democracy at Sheffield, 31 Jan 1988, prior to the final SDP ballot for merger
• Group of press releases and news cuttings concerning merger negotiations, Jan 1988
• Memoranda on arrangements for the launch of the party, including timetable of events, publicity materials, direct mailing programme, party name and logo; with artwork for design of logo [Dec 1987–Feb 1988].
• Social and Liberal Democrats press information pack for the launch of the new party, 3 Mar 1988: The new choice. The best future containing welcome booklet, information booklet on the merger process; press releases of statements for the press conference, copy of policy statement, promotional literature etc