Liberal Democrats Rally Behind Leader Ed Davey Amidst Frontbench Resignations

The Liberal Democrats are demonstrating strong backing for their leader, Sir Ed Davey, following the recent resignations of two frontbench members. Despite the departures, which were reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the party's direction and policy-making processes, a meeting with MPs on Tuesday evening revealed overwhelming support for Davey.

"There is overwhelming support for Ed in the parliamentary party and a real sense that we need to come together as a group," said Daisy Cooper, the party's deputy leader, after the nearly four-hour meeting. Sir Ed himself acknowledged the need for unity, telling MPs, "We have made changes. I am happy to embrace more changes. I want us to work as a united front."

These resignations, from former Treasury spokesman Charlie Maynard and former care and carers spokeswoman Alison Bennett, are seen as the clearest indication yet of simmering anxiety within the party over the past year. Some MPs reportedly feel the party is not making a significant enough impression with its 72 Members of Parliament. This sentiment is described by one party figure as a "lack of cut through, being noticed."

Those close to Sir Ed Davey privately acknowledge a "small group" of MPs are unhappy with his leadership, estimating the number to be no more than six. However, the broader concern about the party's impact affects more MPs. Some former critics have been mollified by recent changes, including the appointment of a new chief of staff, Ruth Younger, and political director James Holt. They are also encouraged by the government's focus on issues important to the Liberal Democrats, such as the European Union, electoral reform, and social care.

Internally, the party is also planning to enhance its social media presence, aiming to align with its core values. The challenges of being the third-largest party in the House of Commons, especially after an expansion from 15 to 72 MPs, are acknowledged. "It is a slog in the middle of a parliament, it's hard being the third party and it's such an enormous leap going from 15 MPs to 72," stated one party figure. "But we're getting there putting in place the structures to better deal with that and keep MPs happy."

Despite the underlying concerns about national visibility, there is a prevailing sentiment that changing leadership is not the answer. "Why would we get rid of our leader when no one else is pitching to be our leader? We need to let Ed get on with it," one MP remarked. The party hopes that their extensive local campaigning efforts will prove more significant than national poll ratings in the upcoming general election.