Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has launched his party’s campaign for the May local elections with a bold aim - to replace the Conservatives as the political voice of Middle England. Speaking to activists in Oxfordshire, he said the elections represent a “two-horse race” between the Lib Dems and the Tories in many areas. Sir Ed claimed his party is now the “natural home” for voters disillusioned with Labour and frustrated by years of Conservative leadership in local government.
The party is targeting 20 Tory-controlled councils, focusing efforts on southern England’s “blue wall”. Areas such as Cambridgeshire, Wiltshire, Devon and Gloucestershire are among those in the Lib Dems’ sights, buoyed by previous successes at both local and national level. The party currently controls 37 councils, compared to the Conservatives' 49, and aims to increase that number by capitalising on public dissatisfaction and offering what it calls a more community-driven approach.
Sir Ed’s campaign launch featured a characteristically playful stunt, involving hobby horsing and obstacle courses, but his message was serious - arguing that the country needs a new local leadership focused on practical outcomes. He also took aim at Reform UK, calling it distracted by internal conflict, and said Labour had not lived up to expectations in government.
With over 1,600 seats and several mayoralties up for grabs, the Lib Dems see this election as a pivotal moment in reshaping local politics.