The Liberal Democrats will position themselves to prevent Nigel Farage and Reform from entering government and aim to exceed their 2024 total of 72 MPs, party leader Sir Ed Davey said as the conference opened in Brighton.
Speaking to reporters on Brighton Beach, Sir Ed framed the party as “a firewall against Nigel Farage and Reform,” warning that a tactical alliance between Farage and Conservative leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch could hand Farage a route to power. He said the party would both defend the seats Reform needs and take seats from the Conservatives to block that path.
Davey used stark language about the stakes, saying an “unholy alliance” between the two politicians could “turn Britain into a Trump satellite state,” and portraying the Liberal Democrats as the bulwark against policies that would damage the NHS, the environment, and social cohesion. He said the party had “an historic opportunity to win many more seats and a moral responsibility to stop Reform.”
The leader faces internal pressure. South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage urged colleagues to regain an “insurgent spirit,” arguing the party had become too polite and risked losing relevance. Recent polling cited at the conference showed 43% of respondents were unclear what the Liberal Democrats stand for, and just over half described them as “weak.”
To prepare for a possible early vote, Davey said a manifesto working group has been set up, adding, “so we'll be ready if it comes early, but, you know, it still could be up to three years away.” He emphasised the party’s distinct policy mix, pointing to priorities such as the NHS and a plan to rejoin the EU single market and customs union.
Davey also criticised the Labour government for lacking a growth plan and for taxing small businesses heavily, urging members not to shy away from defending “human dignity.” Over the four-day conference the party will aim to sharpen its message and present itself as an alternative to both Reform and the Conservatives, while responding to internal calls for bolder tactics.
Delegates will watch whether the leader’s more combative tone convinces voters and colleagues that the Liberal Democrats can expand their parliamentary presence and block a Reform surge should an early election be called.
