Liberal Democrat MPs Voice Concerns Over Ed Davey’s Cautious Leadership
A growing number of Liberal Democrat MPs are expressing frustration with what they perceive as an overly cautious strategy under the leadership of Ed Davey, coupled with a lack of a compelling national message for voters. Estimates suggest as many as half of the party’s 72 MPs share these concerns.
The discontent, while not currently manifesting as a direct challenge to Davey – who secured the party’s best election result in a century in 2024 – is reportedly building, with MPs indicating a shift could occur without demonstrable progress. “Morale is low,” one MP stated. “No one is saying get rid of Ed. But what they are saying is that those around him need to move with significant pace towards the development of a national story for the party to tell. We need to be a bit more serious about being the third party.”
The party’s success in 2024 was largely attributed to highly focused messaging centered on key issues like the National Health Service, social care, and sewage pollution in rivers. While the messaging has broadened, including Davey’s critiques of Donald Trump, several Lib Dem MPs believe the increasingly fragmented political landscape demands a bolder approach. “The leadership is very good at getting into the media with some things, but talking about A&E or Trump is no substitute for having a national position,” one MP explained.
A perceived hesitancy in policy announcements is also fueling the unease. The party reportedly dedicated weeks to developing a plan for film-style age ratings for social media, only to see the Conservative Party unveil a similar policy shortly before, capturing the majority of the attention.
Despite these criticisms, some within the party defend Davey’s approach. “I think Ed has a very clear strategy and vision,” one MP commented. “The problem we have in part is that we’re too academic at times. But at the same time, the Tory policy on social media didn’t work. If we have ambitions to run the country, we can’t just rush around saying things.”
A key area of concern is the cost of living crisis, with many MPs advocating for a more assertive economic policy. “We need a big retail offer on the economy,” one source said. “We need to be more radical on this and if we are, Ed is the person to do it as he’s well liked, experienced and won’t scare people.”
Currently, Davey and his team appear focused on consolidating gains from the 2024 election and identifying additional target constituencies, a gradualist strategy that some fear is insufficient. “If the day after the next election we end up with 80 MPs, it would again be the best result for a century and Ed could retire happy,” one MP conceded. “But politics is changing fast, and with first past the post if you don’t keep up as a party you can die.”
The photograph of Davey and deputy leader Daisy Cooper taking a selfie with Lib Dem MPs in Westminster Hall in July, following their election success, encapsulates a moment of optimism that some fear is fading. [Image of Davey and Cooper with MPs: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]
However, the party’s history serves as a cautionary tale. The 2019 election, marked by a bold pledge to reverse Brexit, resulted in only 11 seats despite garnering significant votes. “The 2019 election was very heady but we failed. Ed is not willing for that to happen again,” an ally of the Lib Dem leader stated. “Pretty much any seat we fail to win next time will go to Reform or the Conservatives. We have to make sure we have the biggest number of MPs possible.” The ally also noted Davey’s awareness of the need for a broader national message, pointing to a recent “step change” in the party’s social media strategy.
These frustrations are not new to Davey, with MPs having raised similar concerns during recent party retreats. “There’s no shouting, there is no jostling for position. But there are penetrating questions being asked about our purpose and where we are going,” one MP observed. “At the moment it feels a bit like gruel. Ed needs to be mindful that it won’t take much more for colleagues to become really frustrated.”
The upcoming May elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and local councils across England are seen as a critical juncture. Disappointing results, particularly if coupled with a perceived lack of ambition, could prove to be a tipping point. “It’s not just what the message is, it’s whether the person delivering it is the right person to do so,” one MP cautioned. “We all know divided parties don’t go down well with the electorate. But if you look at the history of the party, when our leaders go, they go very quickly. They are secure until suddenly they are not. And I don’t think it would take much for frustrations to bubble over.”
