Lib Dem revolt against Ed Davey grows as second frontbencher quits in bid to trigger no-confidence vote

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

A push to oust Sir Ed Davey as Liberal Democrat leader is gathering momentum, with Charlie Maynard, the Lib Dem MP for Witney, stepping down as Treasury spokesman in a deliberate attempt to drive Davey from the party leadership and urging fellow Lib Dem MPs to support a no-confidence motion. A second frontbencher, Alison Bennett, had already quietly left her care and carers role days earlier. The move comes despite the party's record haul of 72 MPs in 2024, with the latest YouGov poll placing the Lib Dems on just 11% — barely above their 2024 vote share.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper, backed by former leader Tim Farron, said the 'vast majority' of Lib Dem MPs are 'furious at this distraction'.

Party rules automatically trigger a leadership election should a no-confidence vote clear the parliamentary party — and Maynard is reportedly lobbying colleagues to support one.

Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, had already told Davey publicly to 'think again' over his criticism of Andy Burnham earlier this month.