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Lib Dems Seek to Become the New Party of Middle England Ahead of Local Elections
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has articulated his ambition to position his party as the premier choice for Middle England voters, as he launched the campaign for the impending local elections.
Sir Ed revealed that the Liberal Democrats are actively contesting votes in 20 Conservative-led council areas, with the goal of surpassing the Tories to become the second-largest party in local governance.
Addressing party activists, he characterized the upcoming elections in May as a critical “two-horse race” primarily contested between his party and the Conservatives across much of the nation.
He also emphasized that the Liberal Democrats have become the “natural home” for individuals disillusioned with Labour’s current performance and its legacy in power thus far.
Sir Ed stated, “These local elections present a pivotal opportunity for the Liberal Democrats to displace the Conservatives as the preferred party of Middle England.” He expressed confidence that the party could become the second-largest force in local government, aiming to replace Conservative councils that, in his view, neglect their constituents, with dynamic Liberal Democrat administrations that prioritize community engagement.
The launch of the campaign featured a lively kickoff in Oxfordshire, where Sir Ed participated in an unconventional activity involving hobbyhorsing and navigated an obstacle course, showcasing an energetic approach to engage the electorate.
The Liberal Democrats currently lead county council operations in Oxfordshire and had a strong showing in the previous year’s general elections, securing five parliamentary seats in the area.
With a total of 72 MPs, the highest in the party’s history, the Liberal Democrats aim to expand their influence in the upcoming elections across 24 of England’s 317 councils and mayoral areas on May 1.
Under Sir Ed’s stewardship, the party has concentrated its efforts on conservative-held territories located in southern England, often referred to as the “blue wall.” This strategy appears to be paying off, as the Lib Dems topped a recent YouGov opinion poll in that region.
The Liberal Democrats are predominantly targeting Conservative councils facing elections in May, including key areas such as Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Wiltshire, Devon, and Gloucestershire.
Sir Ed remarked, “Reflecting on last July’s general election, we reclaimed numerous seats in these districts. That success is giving us renewed confidence.” In the previous local elections, the party gained an additional 104 councillors and took control of two councils, now holding a majority in 37 councils across the UK—though still trailing the Conservatives, who govern 49 councils.
Furthermore, the Liberal Democrats hope to capture support not only from Conservative voters but also from disenchanted constituents of other parties. Sir Ed expressed that many voters are “deeply disappointed” with the Labour government, which he claims has not delivered the transformative change it promised.
He critiqued Nigel Farage and Reform UK, suggesting they are preoccupied with internal disputes rather than addressing pressing national issues, citing ongoing controversies relating to MP Rupert Lowe.
The Liberal Democrat campaign launch mirrors similar initiatives from the Conservatives and Reform UK, as the political landscape heats up ahead of crucial election decisions.
Approximately 1,650 seats will be contested across 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities, one metropolitan district, and in the Isles of Scilly. Mayoral elections are also set to occur in the West of England, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as well as newly included elections for Hull and East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire.
Originally, elections for all 21 county councils in England were scheduled; however, the government announced last month that elections would be delayed in nine areas due to council reorganizations and devolution plans.
Source
www.bbc.com