Lib Dem MP quits frontbench job over Ed Davey's leadership
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard has resigned from his frontbench position, citing dissatisfaction with Sir Ed Davey's leadership. While the party leadership maintains that the majority of MPs support Davey, the resignation highlights internal tensions regarding the party's direction.
Why it matters
This internal dissent poses a challenge to the Liberal Democrats' stability following their 2024 election gains and ongoing struggles to maintain momentum.
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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