Lib Dem Party Conference

Not just 'Nice Guy Eddie': Lib Dems eager for leader to show radical side at party conference

There is a sizeable group of Lib Dem MPs who openly question whether the party's problem is with its leader, while others support his stance.

Discontent bubbles not far from the surface as the Liberal Democrats gather for their conference this weekend.

Two years on from their best ever general election result, conversations with those on the party's frontbench, its MPs, and backroom staff reveal a frustration at what many see as a failure to capitalise on that success.

Polling by YouGov in the build up to the conference highlighted the Lib Dems {"title": "Lib Dem Party Conference", "description": "The Liberal Democrats are holding their annual conference in Manchester, where they will discuss their strategy and policies for the upcoming election.", "date": "Saturday, [insert date]", "time": "10:00 AM - 6:00 PM", "location": "Manchester Central Convention Centre", "attendees": "Over 1,000 Liberal Democrat MPs, MEPs, and party officials will attend the conference.", "agenda": "The conference will feature a range of sessions on topics such as Brexit, social justice, and environmental issues.", "keynote speakers": "Former Prime Minister Tony Blair will deliver a keynote speech on the state of the UK economy.", "party leadership": "Party leader Ed Davey will address the party and its supporters.", "party strategy": "The Liberal Democrats are expected to announce new policies and strategies for the upcoming election.", "opposition response": "Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced plans to take on the Lib Dems in the upcoming election.", "election outcome": "The outcome of the 2024 general election is still uncertain, but the Lib Dems are expected to retain most of their seats.", "party morale": "Despite internal tensions and disagreements over leadership, the party remains committed to its values and policies.", "party unity": "There are concerns about the party's ability to unite behind a clear message and strategy.", "party future": "The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for liberal values and principles in the upcoming election.", "key issues": "Brexit, social justice, environmental issues, and economic policy will be key topics of discussion at the conference.", "party performance": "The party has made gains in recent local elections, but still faces challenges ahead.", "party prospects": "The Lib Dems are expected to retain most of their seats in the upcoming election.", "party confidence": "Party morale is high, despite internal tensions and disagreements over leadership.", "party unity": "There are concerns about the party's ability to unite behind a clear message and strategy.", "party future": "The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for liberal values and principles in the upcoming election.", "key issues": "Brexit, social justice, environmental issues, and economic policy will be key topics of discussion at the conference.", "party performance": "The party has made gains in recent local elections, but still faces challenges ahead.", "party prospects": "The Lib Dems are expected to retain most of their seats in the upcoming election.", "party confidence": "Party morale is high, despite internal tensions and disagreements over leadership.", "party unity": "There