Davey says Lib Dems are 'firewall against Farage' as conference begins

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, asserted that his party serves as a "firewall against Nigel Farage and Reform" during the start of the party’s autumn conference in Brighton. Speaking to delegates, Davey warned of an "unholy alliance" between Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, which he claimed could transform the UK into a "Trump satellite state." He argued that this partnership threatens core British institutions, including the NHS, environmental protections, and traditional values of fairness and tolerance. Davey emphasized that the Liberal Democrats are uniquely positioned to counter this threat, stating that the party’s "orange wall" strategy, aimed at preventing Reform from gaining power, must be strengthened. He noted that the party is prepared for a potential snap election, with a manifesto working group already established to respond swiftly if needed. "We have an historic opportunity to win many more seats and a moral responsibility to stop Reform," he said. The Lib Dem leader also criticized the Labour government for lacking a clear economic plan and failing to support families struggling with rising costs. He accused Labour of taxing small businesses "to the brink" and called on his party to remain vigilant against injustice and threats to human dignity. "When we see injustice, when we see human dignity under attack, we do not look away. We stand up. We care. And we fight," Davey said. Polling data released earlier this year indicates that 43% of voters are unsure what the Liberal Democrats stand for, with over half describing the party as "weak." Despite these concerns, Davey pointed to the party’s growing influence, noting that it now runs more local councils than the Conservatives. "Our election results up and down the country show that we are making progress," he said. South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage, in an essay published ahead of the conference, questioned the party’s relevance, asking why it struggles to connect with voters at a time when many feel powerless. She urged the Lib Dems to rediscover their "insurgent spirit" and reject the status quo. In response, Davey acknowledged Savage’s concerns but defended the party’s efforts, saying she was "wrong on that." During a visit to Brighton Beach, Davey reiterated the importance of the Liberal Democrats in blocking Reform’s ascent. "One of the things that makes us unique is that we are a firewall against Nigel Farage and Reform," he said. "Many of the seats he needs to get himself into No 10 are seats that we will defend and indeed win." He also warned that Kemi Badenoch might enable Farage to gain power, urging the party to act decisively. Davey highlighted the increasing defections from the Conservative Party to Reform, noting that six former cabinet ministers have joined the far-right movement in the past two years. "They are now competing with each other to see who can divide the country more, rather than looking to fix the country’s problems," he said. Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to expand its operations, with £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo. The funding has enabled the party to hire 400 campaign managers and launch a centralized campaign structure. However, some grassroots activists have expressed skepticism about the allocation of resources, arguing that the emphasis on hiring professionals overshadows the need for more volunteers. One activist questioned whether the campaign managers would be paid and how existing volunteers would be affected. Reform has also announced plans to bolster its policy apparatus and leadership structure, with figures like Harvey Griffiths emerging as key players. The party is preparing for future elections, including by-elections and local elections, and is likely to maintain its highly centralized model. A Reform source acknowledged that initial spending focused on administrative tasks, such as rent and supplies, but stressed that fundraising from members would remain a priority. As the Liberal Democrats prepare to confront both the Conservatives and Reform, the debate over the party’s identity and effectiveness continues. With polls showing mixed public perception, Davey faces the challenge of reinforcing the Lib Dems’ distinctiveness in a polarized political landscape. His message remains clear: the party must stand firm against divisive forces and offer a credible alternative to the current political establishment.