Lib Dem MP quits frontbench over Ed Davey leadership

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard has resigned as Treasury spokesman, reportedly seeking to replace party leader Sir Ed Davey.

Charlie Maynard, the Liberal Democrat MP for Witney, resigned from his role as Treasury spokesman on Friday. The Daily Mail reports that Maynard has asked parliamentary colleagues to back a vote of no confidence in leader Sir Ed Davey, suggesting an effort to remove him from the leadership.

Disquiet has been mounting among Liberal Democrat MPs over the party's lack of progress in the polls since winning a record 72 seats in 2024. The latest polling puts the party at 11 per cent support. Those close to Davey acknowledge that a 'small group' of MPs are unhappy with his leadership, of which Maynard is one.

Daisy Cooper, the party's deputy leader, defended Davey, saying: 'The vast majority of our MPs support Ed, want him to lead the party into the next election, and are furious at this distraction.' She added that the Liberal Democrats must present a united front.

Julian Brazil, a Liberal Democrat council leader who has previously criticised Davey, suggested more resignations could follow. He told BBC Radio 5Live: 'I would have thought that in the next few days, we will see if there's a groundswell behind him.' Brazil acknowledged Davey had been a good leader but argued that others were not listening to him and called for fresh leadership.

Maynard was first elected to his Oxfordshire seat in 2024, winning the traditionally Conservative constituency formerly held by David Cameron with a majority of over 4,000. Before becoming an MP, he ran an international mergers and acquisitions advisory firm.

How it is being reported

• Ed Davey faces growing revolt against leadership as senior Lib Dem MP quitsTreasury spokesperson Charlie Maynard reportedly resigned in attempt to unseat leader as party slips in polls Ed Davey is facing a growing revolt against his leadership of the Liberal Democrats, following the resignation of a senior frontbench figure on Friday. Charlie Maynard, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, has handed in his resignation in an attempt to unseat Davey after months of frustration that the party is failing to cut through with voters, the Guardian understands. Continue reading...The Guardian · 9 Oct, 17:46
• Senior Liberal Democrat MP quits front bench in bid to oust leader Sir Ed DaveyA senior Liberal Democrat MP has quit the party’s front bench in what is reported to be an effort to topple leader Sir Ed Davey .The Independent · 9 Oct, 16:27
• Now the Lib Dems plunge into civil war as frontbencher quits amid rumours of coup against Ed DaveyCharlie Maynard, the MP for Witney, has quit as the party's Treasury spokesman, with reports of a brewing coup.Daily Mail · 9 Oct, 16:24
• Lib Dem MP quits frontbench job over Ed Davey's leadershipDeputy party leader Daisy Cooper says the vast majority of our MPs support Ed... and are furious at this distraction."BBC Politics · 9 Oct, 15:27

In this story: Charlie Maynard · Sir Ed Davey · Daisy Cooper · Julian Brazil · Liberal Democrats · Witney

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