Lib Dem MP quits frontbench job over Ed Davey's leadership
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard has resigned from his frontbench position, citing a lack of confidence in Sir Ed Davey's leadership. While party leadership maintains that the majority of MPs support Davey, the move signals internal friction within the party.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights potential instability within the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party following their recent electoral performance.
Image source, BBC/ Adam Smith Image caption, Sir Ed Davey and Charlie Maynard on the campaign trail in 2024
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard has resigned from the party's frontbench and wants to see Sir Ed Davey replaced as leader.
As first reported by the Financial Times , external , the Witney MP left his role as Treasury spokesman on Friday.
Those close to Sir Ed privately acknowledge that there is what they see as a "small group" of Liberal Democrat MPs who are not happy with his leadership, of which Maynard is one.
Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the party, said: "The vast majority of our MPs support Ed, want him to lead the party into the next election, and are furious at this distraction." The BBC has approached Maynard for comment.
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