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Lib Dem MPs rally behind Davey after challenge collapses, but party polls at just 11%

Sir Ed Davey, whose leadership survived a nearly four-hour parliamentary party meeting on 5 May night that ended without a confidence vote, despite two frontbench resignations within a week.
Sir Ed Davey, whose leadership survived a nearly four-hour parliamentary party meeting on 5 May night that ended without a confidence vote, despite two frontbench resignations within a week.

Sir Ed Davey survived a near-rebellion after a crunch four-hour meeting of Lib Dem MPs on Tuesday night ended without a confidence vote being held. Charlie Maynard had quit his frontbench role the previous week in a move widely seen as designed to trigger a leadership ballot, while Alison Bennett also resigned as care spokesperson. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper declared there was "overwhelming support" for Davey, and MP Bobby Dean called the gathering "a show of strength".

Davey told MPs behind closed doors: 'We have made changes — I am happy to embrace more changes.'

The party has flatlined since its record 72-seat haul in 2024, with a recent YouGov poll putting it at just 11%.

One party figure reportedly described the twin resignations as 'a rather Lib Dem insurrection — dissent expressed modestly.'

MoreThe IndependentEd Davey retains Liberal Democrat leadership after challenge collapsesPolitics.co.uk‘Show of strength’: Davey allies point to ‘overwhelming support’ after MP meeting - Politics.co.ukBBC News - PoliticsChris Mason: Lib Dems rally behind Davey after recent resignationsAOL News UKDavey pledges change as Lib Dems rally behind leader
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