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

"There's no doubt that British politics is in flux, the old two parties have failed, people looking for change. I think the option for British people is the change of the populist parties on the extremes of left and right - Reform and the Greens - or change that is true to British values from the Liberal Democrats. Many people voted for that type of change and I'm going to champion that."

"Clearly, the populist parties on the extremes of left and right have also done well. But I think the more that they are exposed and the more people see their policies, they will realise they are either pipe dreams or the politics of division."

"The Lib Dems gained 153 councillors in England, winning control of Stockport and Portsmouth council, and six seats in the Scottish Parliament. However, the party's gains were more modest than those of Reform UK and the Green Party of England and Wales, with the Lib Dems primarily benefitting from a slump in support for Labour and the Conservatives."

"In Stockport and Portsmouth, where the Liberal Democrats were already the largest party, Labour losses saw the Lib Dems win control of the council, despite a challenge from Reform UK. The Lib Dems also cemented their dominance in Sutton and Richmond-upon-Thames, south-west London, where they now hold every seat on the council."

The Liberal Democrats reported significant gains across England and Scotland, including control of Stockport and Portsmouth councils and additional seats in the Scottish Parliament. The party’s progress was described as stronger than in recent years, with an eighth consecutive year of net gains in English council elections and its best Scottish result in nearly 20 years. The gains were attributed largely to reduced support for Labour and the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats framed their offer as change rooted in British values, contrasting it with Reform UK and the Greens. In some areas, Labour losses helped the Lib Dems take control, while in Hampshire Reform UK gains prevented any party from holding overall control.

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