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As the Liberal Democrats prepare to convene for their conference this weekend, a sense of simmering dissatisfaction is evident within the party ranks. Although the Lib Dems achieved their strongest general election performance two years ago, many frontbenchers, MPs, and party staff express frustration over what they perceive as a missed opportunity to build on that momentum. Recent YouGov polling ahead of the event indicates that the party’s support has either stagnated or slightly declined since that election.
One senior Lib Dem MP remarked, “We lack the ability to say something new or interesting,” adding, “There is no energy, no excitement.” A member of the frontbench reflected that, aside from the party’s stance on Donald Trump, much of the press coverage could be characterized as cautious and restrained. Some within the party have even labeled their approach as “boring” and voiced concerns about the rising profile of the Green Party under Zack Polanski. Leadership acknowledges this discontent and has promised that the conference will mark a turning point. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper described it as “a gloves-off kind of conference” promising “a bit of fighting talk.”
The party’s cautious tone until now was a deliberate choice, shaped by discussions about whether to adopt a more assertive, social media-driven style akin to Polanski’s. However, it was decided this approach might not resonate with the Lib Dems’ core supporters in the affluent regions of southern England. Those who supported this strategy point to Polanski’s recent difficulties as justification. Yet, across all levels, there is acceptance that the Lib Dems trail other parties when it comes to engaging attention on social media—a gap highlighted by the success of Andy Burnham’s “social first” tactics. Only recently has the Lib Dems introduced training for MPs to create social media videos, a delay that some senior figures find frustrating. One senior MP noted that while the party is quick to send out leaflets after a success, their social media response is far slower. The conference will feature at least 17 fringe sessions focused on enhancing the party’s digital communications, although there are those within who believe the issues run deeper than the platform and lie with the core message itself.
Recent polling reveals that 52% of voters view the Lib Dems as “weak,” and 43% think the party’s position is unclear, compared to just 18% who see it as strong. “We need to become bolder and more radical,” urged one senior MP, adding, “We need to be angry on behalf of our constituents.” Another MP lamented the party’s focus on localized campaigning without presenting a compelling vision for a “Liberal Britain.” Even loyalists recognize that the party struggles to articulate why voters should choose them, beyond simply voting against the Conservatives. According to one senior advisor, “We haven’t yet answered why people should vote for us rather than against the Tories.” Officially, Lib Dem MPs are hesitant to discuss the prospect of a future coalition government with Labour, though privately, many entertain the possibility and see a hung parliament as likely, with the party positioned to play kingmaker and prevent a Reform government from taking power. “If you’re a serious political party you exist to be in government,” said the same advisor. Strategists are optimistic about maintaining most of the 72 seats won in 2024 and plan to target the 27 other constituencies they came second in, many Conservative-held.
Within the party, a faction of MPs and frontbench members openly question whether the core issue lies with leader Ed Davey himself. One spokesperson, considering a leadership bid if a contest arises, bluntly stated, “I think he’s holding us back.” Another MP suggested, “The atmosphere is ripe for a leadership challenge,” though they noted the absence of a high-profile figure like Labour’s Wes Streeting to challenge the current leader. They lament the lack of an “ambitious, young alternative” ready to present a new direction. Supporters of Davey highlight his governmental experience and believe there is no better replacement. They also argue that national polling is not the best metric of success. One frontbencher loyal to Davey remarked, “I’d like to be on more than 10% [in national opinion polls], but I’d prefer to be on 10% and looking at winning 80 seats than on 15% and winning four.” Another pointed to the party’s local election gains in May as evidence that the current strategy is effective.
Despite this loyalty, underlying dissatisfaction persists, and several within the party are considering potential alternatives to Davey, such as party President Josh Babarinde or deputy leader Daisy Cooper, who are both expected to speak at the conference alongside home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson. When asked about her future ambitions, Cooper, widely seen as a leading contender to succeed Davey, emphasized her support for the incumbent, saying, “Ed is absolutely the right leader. I really like being deputy leader to Ed. We work together as a team. I think we complement each other.” On whether she aspires to the leadership position, she was clear: “There is no vacancy,” and reaffirmed, “There is no vacancy at the moment.
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