Vote Lib Dem or ‘regret it’ living under a Reform council, Davey tells voters
Ed Davey has urged voters in southern England to support the Liberal Democrats to prevent Reform from gaining control of local councils, warning that voting for Labour or the Greens could lead to unintended Reform victories. He emphasized the Lib Dems' role as the main opposition to Reform, particularly in former Conservative strongholds where disillusioned Tories are shifting support. With local elections approaching, Davey highlighted issues like potholes, sewage pollution, and the rising cost of a pint as key campaign concerns.
- ▪Ed Davey identified five councils—East Surrey, West Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, and Huntingdonshire—where the Lib Dems could gain overall control.
- ▪Polling suggests the Lib Dems could gain around 500 seats, while Labour could lose up to 1,800 and the Greens could gain as many as 1,700.
- ▪Davey argued that the Lib Dems are better positioned than the Greens to stop Reform, claiming they are attracting disaffected Conservative voters.
- ▪He criticized Kemi Badenoch for moving the Conservative party too far right, alienating traditional one-nation Tories.
- ▪Local issues such as fly tipping, potholes, sewage pollution, and the £10 pint in London are central to the Lib Dem campaign.
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Ed Davey visiting a dairy farm in Hampshire, one of five councils where the Lib Dems could win overall control. Photograph: Nick Warren/PAView image in fullscreenEd Davey visiting a dairy farm in Hampshire, one of five councils where the Lib Dems could win overall control. Photograph: Nick Warren/PALiberal DemocratsVote Lib Dem or ‘regret it’ living under a Reform council, Davey tells votersParty leader says vote for Labour or Greens in closely run seats will result in Reform victory at local electionsHelena HortonTue 5 May 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleVoters in the home counties will “regret it for a long time” if they do not back the Liberal Democrats and wake up to a Reform-led council, Ed Davey has said.The Lib Dems leader has identified five councils – East Surrey,…
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