Liberal Democrats Open to Labour Deal to Block 'Damaging' Tory-Reform Coalition
Sir Ed Davey signals openness to a post-election agreement with Labour to prevent a potential right-wing coalition, amid internal party pressure.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has indicated his party would be prepared to form a coalition with Labour to prevent a "hugely damaging" Conservative-Reform alliance taking power. Davey's comments come as polls suggest a hung parliament in the next general election, leaving no single party with an outright majority.
The under-pressure party leader addressed recent internal dissent, including the resignation of frontbench MP Charlie Maynard, which reportedly aimed to trigger a confidence vote in his leadership. However, a meeting of the parliamentary party concluded without such a vote, with Davey retaining his position.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Davey emphasized the importance of gaining political power to implement the Liberal Democrats' agenda, stating, "I think politicians should always want to get into government." He recalled the party's role in government, highlighting their ability to achieve policy goals and prevent actions by the Conservatives they opposed. "Being in power does give you that ability to shape the future of the country and that's what we want to do," he added.
Davey specifically voiced concern about a potential coalition between the Conservatives and Reform UK, describing it as a significant threat to the nation's future. "There's a real danger, I think, that Reform and the Conservatives could form a coalition. That would be hugely damaging for our country," he stated.
These remarks appear to also serve as a message to dissatisfied members within his own party. He noted the Liberal Democrats' growth from 11 MPs in 2019 to 72 in 2024, suggesting progress despite recent polling numbers. The party currently stands at 11% in YouGov surveys, consistent with their performance in the 2024 election.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party, under Kemi Badenoch, is reportedly planning to target seats lost to the Liberal Democrats in southern England with proposals for tax cuts, indicating a strategy to reclaim lost ground.