The Lib Dems conference began in Brighton with leader Ed Davey presenting his party as a barrier against Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
Davey said the Liberal Democrats were a “firewall” against Farage and Reform. He also argued that the party could defend and gain seats that Reform would need in a future election.
The autumn conference runs from September 19 to 22 in Brighton. Meanwhile, Davey is due to address party members during the four-day event.
His comments came as the party faced questions from some of its own MPs about its political direction and relevance. However, Davey has rejected suggestions that the Liberal Democrats have lost their purpose.
Party faces questions over its direction
South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage recently questioned whether the Liberal Democrats were struggling to remain relevant.
In an essay ahead of the conference, Savage called on the party to rediscover what she described as its “insurgent spirit.” She also argued that the party should do more to address voters who feel powerless.
Davey rejected the criticism. However, he said he valued Savage’s views, while disagreeing with her assessment.
He pointed to the Liberal Democrats’ performance at the 2024 general election and their position in local government. The party won 72 parliamentary seats in that election.
In addition, Davey acknowledged the frustration that MPs can feel when they cannot quickly change government policy.
Davey warns of a possible Reform-Conservative alliance
Davey used the conference opening to attack both Reform UK and the Conservatives.
He warned of what he called an “unholy alliance” between Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. According to Davey, such cooperation could move Britain closer to the political model associated with US President Donald Trump.
As a result, the Liberal Democrats have continued to position themselves against both Reform and the Conservatives. Davey has made opposition to Farage a major part of his recent political messaging.
At the same time, the Lib Dem leader criticised the Labour government. He accused it of lacking a growth strategy and said its policies were placing pressure on families and small businesses.
Liberal Democrats prepare for a possible election
Davey said his party was preparing for the possibility of an early general election.
He said the Liberal Democrats had already established a manifesto working group. However, he also noted that an election could still be several years away.
The party wants to build on its 2024 result by increasing its number of MPs. Therefore, Davey said the Liberal Democrats would seek to strengthen what the party calls its “Orange Wall.”
In addition, the party has highlighted healthcare, closer European ties and economic issues as major parts of its political programme.
Conference puts Reform challenge in focus
Reform UK remains a central focus of the Liberal Democrats’ strategy at the Brighton conference.
Davey highlighted the movement of Conservative politicians to Reform. He said, in his assessment, the two parties were competing over political divisions instead of addressing the country’s problems.
However, those claims represent the Liberal Democrat leader’s political assessment. Reform and the Conservatives have their own positions on the issues Davey raised.
The conference gives Davey and his party several days to debate policy, answer questions and present their plans to voters. Meanwhile, party members can discuss the direction of the Liberal Democrats ahead of future political contests.
For now, the Liberal Democrats are using the Brighton gathering to draw a clear political distinction between themselves, Labour, the Conservatives and Reform UK. At the same time, Davey is using the conference to reinforce his message that his party can act as a barrier to further Reform gains.
