Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has told party members the party has a 'moral responsibility' to prevent Reform UK entering power as he outlined preparations for a possible snap general election. With a party conference imminent, Davey said the Lib Dems were drawing up a new manifesto to be ready should an early vote be called.
Preparing for a snap election
Davey said the manifesto work was part of contingency planning rather than an admission an election was imminent. He acknowledged frustration among some MPs who fear the party's message is being diluted, but urged colleagues not to panic in response to static national polling figures.
Message to MPs and voters
The leader argued that a fragmented political landscape and tactical voting mean national polls do not tell the whole story at constituency level. He expressed confidence that the Lib Dems could improve on their 2024 result — when they won 72 seats, the party's largest haul in a century — by targeting key seats and capitalising on tactical alliances.
Electoral outlook and strategy
Davey sought to strike a balance between recognising internal concerns and projecting optimism. While acknowledging the challenges of communicating the party's platform, he stressed the importance of being prepared to act quickly and of presenting a clear alternative to both the main parties and to Reform UK.
Conference backdrop
The comments come as the Lib Dems head into their annual conference, where questions about strategy, messaging and how to translate national support into seats are expected to dominate. Davey's appeal to party unity and readiness underscores the broader uncertainty among British parties about the timing of the next general election.