Lib Dems offer alternative to extremes of Reform and Greens, Davey says

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey asserts that his party presents a viable alternative to the "extremes" represented by Reform UK and the Greens, celebrating recent electoral gains in both England and Scotland.

The Liberal Democrats secured 153 additional councillors in England, successfully taking control of Stockport and Portsmouth councils, and achieving six seats in the Scottish Parliament.

However, the increase in seats was modest compared to the more significant gains made by Reform UK and the Green Party of England and Wales, with the Liberal Democrats primarily benefiting from a decline in support for Labour and the Conservatives.

In Hull, a notable surge for Reform UK resulted in the Liberal Democrats losing control of the council, while Nigel Farage's party also obstructed their aspirations of winning in Conservative-led Hampshire.

During a visit to Edinburgh on Saturday, Sir Ed stated, “There’s no doubt that British politics is in flux, the old two parties have failed, and people are seeking change.”

He further elaborated, “I believe the choice for the British public is between the populist changes proposed by the parties on the extremes of left and right—Reform and the Greens—or a change that aligns with British values as championed by the Liberal Democrats. Many voters opted for this kind of change, and I am committed to advocating for it.”

When questioned about whether his party was losing momentum, Sir Ed noted that this marked the eighth consecutive year of net gains for the Liberal Democrats in English council elections, while the party achieved its best results in nearly two decades in Scotland.

He remarked, “Undoubtedly, the populist parties on the extremes of left and right have also performed well. However, I believe that as more people become aware of their policies, they will recognize that these ideas are either unrealistic or promote division.”

English council election results

In Stockport and Portsmouth, where the Liberal Democrats were already the largest party, Labour's losses enabled the Lib Dems to seize control of the councils, despite facing challenges from Reform UK.

The Liberal Democrats also reinforced their presence in Sutton and Richmond-upon-Thames, located in south-west London, where they now occupy every seat on the council.

In the southeastern region of England, the party capitalized on a decline in Conservative support, winning both of the newly established councils in East and West Surrey.

Nevertheless, despite adding nine more seats on Hampshire Council, substantial gains by Reform UK left no single party in overall control.

Scottish Parliament results

In the recent Scottish Parliament elections, the Liberal Democrats expanded their seat count to 10, capturing seats in Edinburgh Northern and Strathkelvin, as well as Bearsden, from the SNP.

Additionally, the party successfully overturned a significant SNP majority in the constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.

However, the Liberal Democrats faced an unexpected setback, losing their traditional stronghold seat in Shetland to the SNP.

Welsh Parliament results

In Wales, party leader Jane Dodds made a return to the Senedd, yet remains the only Liberal Democrat representative in the Welsh Parliament.