Could the Lib Dems’ anti-Brexit stance backfire?

The timing of the Liberal Democrats’ leadership hustings on Friday could not have been better for Jo Swinson and Ed Davey. The two leadership hopefuls took to the lectern on an historic day when YouGov recorded the once floundering party as leading in its latest polling. This, along with the party’s recent success in the EU elections, provided an exciting backdrop for Swinson and Davey to outlay their future vision for the party.

While the party’s current surge is attributable to its strong support for a second Brexit referendum, the party’s next leader must be able to craft a coherent vision and identity beyond this issue. When the dust settles, and people gradually move on from the Brexit question, the Lib Dems must be able to find a way to position itself as a viable alternative to Labour and the Conservatives. After seeing both the party’s candidates debate each other in London, there is a clear distinction between the two contenders.