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Lib Dems rally behind Ed Davey after frontbench resignations
Overview
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has secured the backing of his parliamentary party following a meeting called after two frontbenchers resigned over policy and leadership concerns. While party figures report overwhelming support and a willingness from Davey to embrace changes, underlying anxieties remain regarding the party's visibility and impact in parliament.
Key points
- Two members of Sir Ed Davey's frontbench resigned recently due to unhappiness with his leadership, party direction, and policy decisions.
- Following a four-hour meeting with MPs, deputy leader Daisy Cooper reported overwhelming support for Sir Ed within the parliamentary party.
- Sir Ed told MPs he is open to further changes and wants to work as a united front.
- Some MPs have expressed anxiety over a perceived lack of cut-through and visibility in parliament despite having 72 MPs.
- Party figures noted that while a small group of MPs remains unhappy, local campaigning and recent structural team changes are viewed positively.