Sir Ed Davey has accused the Conservative Party of creating the conditions for the rise of Reform UK, blaming their “disdain and neglect” for opening the door to populist politics. Addressing delegates at the Liberal Democrat spring conference in Harrogate, the party leader condemned both the Tories and Reform, warning that Nigel Farage’s party offers only “superficial, simplistic, snake-oil solutions.”
Tories ‘abandoned communities’
In a scathing attack on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Sir Ed took issue with her recent remarks that a typical Liberal Democrat is “somebody who is good at fixing their church roof.” He told party members:
“That Conservative disdain and neglect is also what has opened the door to Reform, and that’s why it’s so important that we Liberal Democrats are rooted in our communities, getting things done, fixing the church roof – and much more besides.”
He argued that unlike the Tories, the Liberal Democrats are focused on local action and grassroots engagement.
“Showing people that politics can work for them, that who they vote for can make a difference, that their voice matters. That is how you defeat the populists, how you drain away the cynicism that feeds them, how you win back people’s trust and restore their hope.”
Sir Ed noted that Liberal Democrat MPs spend far more time in their constituencies than Farage, who is contesting the Clacton seat, but quipped that “it’s a bit of a low bar.”
‘Sneering’ attitude of the conservatives
Sir Ed’s remarks drew loud applause when he repeated Badenoch’s comment about fixing church roofs and added:
“A typical Liberal Democrat will be somebody who is good at fixing their church roof – and people in the community like them.”
He argued that her words reflected the wider attitude of the Conservative Party, saying:
“The sneering attitude that says fixing church roofs is somehow beneath her, even beneath politics altogether. That what happens in our communities is trivial, insignificant compared to debating the true meaning of conservatism on Twitter.”
He accused the Conservatives of abandoning local areas, allowing public services to crumble, and failing to provide adequate healthcare:
“They have left schools and hospitals to decay, left whole areas without enough GPs or dentists, left water companies to pump filthy sewage into our rivers and seas, and they have left decent, traditional Conservatives without a political home.”
Farage: ‘Trump tribute act’
Turning his attention to Reform UK, Sir Ed warned that Farage would drag Britain down a dangerous path, arguing that he would turn the UK into a “Donald Trump tribute act.”
“This is no time for a nationalist. We need real British patriotism instead. At home and abroad, our country has big problems to solve. And let’s be absolutely clear: Nigel Farage is not the least bit interested in solving them.”
He accused Farage of ignoring key issues such as the NHS crisis, social care, and emergency services, saying:
“If Farage had his way, he would turn our great country into little more than a Donald Trump tribute act.”
Sir Ed also expressed concern over what he described as the divisive tactics used by Reform UK:
“What worries us most about Farage and Reform is the deeply destructive, divisive brand of politics they deploy, the weaponisation of difference, the demonisation of diversity, the scapegoating of the other.”
He said Reform’s rise was built on anger and resentment rather than real solutions:
“The superficial, simplistic, snake-oil solutions they peddle. We know where it will all lead if we don’t stop it.”
Tories hit back
In response, Paul Holmes, the Conservative shadow local government minister, dismissed Sir Ed’s remarks and defended his party’s record. He said Tory councils were “getting on with the job of delivering lower taxes and better local services” while Liberal Democrats were “clocking off early.”
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Holmes criticised the Lib Dem-run South Cambridgeshire Council for introducing a four-day working week for staff, arguing:
“They have brought in four-day working weeks for council staff, leaving residents paying full price for part-time service.”
He also accused the party of aligning itself too closely with Labour:
“On the big national questions, the Liberal Democrats are either missing in action or have become Labour’s cheerleaders in Parliament.”
According to Holmes, the Conservatives are focused on results:
“Under new leadership, the Conservative Party is focused on delivering results, defending our communities, and offering the honest, credible opposition this country needs.”
Battle for the Centre ground
With the next general election looming, the Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as an alternative to both the Tories and Reform. Sir Ed’s speech made clear that his party is aiming to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the Conservative government, while simultaneously challenging the populism of Nigel Farage.
As the battle for the centre ground intensifies, the Liberal Democrats will be hoping that their message of community-driven politics will resonate with voters frustrated by both the government’s failures and the rhetoric of Reform UK.
