2013 Lib Dem conference: Who's who of prominent Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats are gathering in Glasgow for their annual conference. Here's a spotter's guide to the party's big players and when you can see them.

Nick Clegg

Narrowly beat Chris Huhne to the Lib Dem leadership in 2007 and took the party into government in 2010. Must convince an increasingly restive left wing that he was right to get into bed with the Tories and back austerity. His big speech is on Wednesday but a tougher test could be Monday's debate on the economy, when he is also due to speak.

Vince Cable

The business secretary began life in Labour and has never disguised his discomfort about aspects of his party's marriage with the Tories, particularly on immigration policy, fuelling persistent rumours of leadership ambitions. His keynote speech, on Monday, is always a conference highlight for activists. Expect plenty of crowd-pleasing Tory-bashing.

Danny Alexander

Drafted in as George Osborne's number two at the Treasury in 2010 as an emergency replacement for David Laws. Has seen off early jibes about lack of experience to establish reputation as an able minister and member of the coalition's inner circle. Likely to hail austerity measures and return of growth in speech on Wednesday.

Ed Davey

A former protege of Paddy Ashdown, the energy and climate change secretary was promoted from junior minister at the business department into the cabinet when Chris Huhne was charged with perverting the course of justice. Sometimes tipped as a future leader. Addresses conference on Sunday.

Michael Moore

A low-key figure who seemed to land a key cabinet position, in the run up to next year's Scottish independence referendum, almost by accident. Took over as Scottish Secretary from Danny Alexander, when he was promoted to Chief Secretary to the Treasury after David Laws' resignation. Will bang the drum for the Union on Wednesday morning.

Lord Ashdown

Former soldier who led the fledgling Liberal Democrats out of the wilderness in the 1990s. Remains a huge presence in the party and is in charge of its 2015 election campaign. Due to speak at the traditional conference opening rally on Sunday night and will be much in evidence throughout the rest of the week.

Sir Menzies Campbell

One of the party's elder statesmen, the former leader remains a highly respected figure in Parliament and popular among activists. Has criticised coalition on occasions but generally supportive. Not speaking from the main platform this year but will be a ubiquitous presence on the fringe.

David Laws

A free market "orange book" liberal and former banker, Mr Laws was a pivotal figure in 2010's coalition talks with the Tories. Had to resign as Shadow Treasury Secretary after just three weeks for breaking expenses rules. Returned to the cabinet last year as education spokesman and cabinet office minister. Takes part in Q&A on Monday.

Willie Rennie

Snatched Dunfermline and West Fife from Labour in 2006, in an old-style Lib Dem by-election coup, only to lose the seat in 2010. Gained a seat in the Scottish Parliament the following year, despite collapse in the party's vote, and became Lib Dem's leader in Scotland. Due to speak to conference on Sunday.

Kirsty Williams

In 1999, the then 28-year-old became the youngest member of the new Welsh Assembly and went on to become the first female Lib Dem leader in Wales in 2008. Sometimes outspoken campaigner on health, social care and rights for young people. Addresses conference on Monday.

Simon Hughes

The Lib Dem deputy leader is the most senior party figure not serving in the government, after turning down a ministerial job. Has been very supportive of the coalition although critical of certain policies, including NHS, education and welfare changes. Will be an active presence on the conference fringe and a barometer of party opinion.

Tim Farron

Often touted as a future party leader by the left of the party, the MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale is currently Lib Dem president. Recently heaped praised on Labour leader Ed Miliband and regularly attacks the Tories as "toxic". Expect a rousing, joke-packed speech when he opens the conference on Saturday.

Jo Swinson

One of the party's rising stars, she joined the government as consumer affairs minister in 2012 and has led campaigns on payday lending and women's issues, such as body image. Chair of the party's policy-making committee and will speak at the conference curtain-raiser on Saturday. Married to Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames.

Norman Lamb

Nick Clegg's former chief of staff is one of the party's key thinkers and strategists. Joined the government in 2011 as a business minister and then promoted to Department of Health with responsibility for care for the elderly. Seen as being on the right of the party. Gets his moment in the spotlight in Tuesday's afternoon's social care debate.

Jeremy Browne

The son of a former diplomat, he spent his first couple of years in government crisscrossing the globe as a Foreign Office minister. Moved last year to the Home Office where his brief is crime prevention. Up for a busy week of fringe meetings and a Q&A on crime and justice on Sunday.

Steve Webb

The former university professor is seen as one of the most effective Lib Dem ministers, forming a close partnership with Iain Duncan Smith at the DWP, where he has the important and complex, pensions brief. Has not always seen eye-to-eye with Nick Clegg but generally loyal.

Julian Huppert

Has campaigned on justice, civil liberties and transport issues since becoming an MP in 2010. Hit the headlines when he complained of being "bullied" in the Commons when he gets up to speak. In for a busy week with a string of fringe meetings and a speech in the main hall on Sunday on "cycling reform".

Lord Oakeshott

The City grandee and former economics spokesman has been a persistent thorn in Nick Clegg's side, regularly calling for him to quit to save the party from electoral oblivion. Once seen as Vince Cable's closest ally and mouthpiece, until the business secretary disowned his attacks. Down to speak at three fringe meetings.

Charles Kennedy

The former leader is a rare sight at Lib Dem conferences these days and has not delivered a speech in the main hall since 2006. Was critical of decision to go into coalition with the Conservatives from the start. He is due to speak at fringe meetings on Sunday and Tuesday.