Since being elected as a Liberal Democrat MP in 1997, Ed Davey has been through many phases: conventional Paddy Ashdown supporting social democrat; contributor to the free-market Orange Book; cabinet minister under a Conservative Prime Minister; knight of the realm; ‘bollocks to Brexit’ remainiac; and now, leader of his party and professional orchestrator of cringy election stunts. Superficially, he is performing his latest role with some success.
As Lib Dem activists gather in Bournemouth this weekend for their annual conference, many will be buoyant. The party’s recent by-election win in Somerton and Frome was their fourth such victory since Davey became leader, with hopes of another next month in Mid Bedfordshire. In May’s local elections, the Lib Dems gained control of 12 councils and added more than 400 councillors. When fawningly interviewed recently by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart on Leading (a spin-off from their centrist-dad podcast The Rest is Politics), Davey was touted as a potential kingmaker in 2024, should Labour fall short of an overall majority.
And yet, much as Nigel Farage wondered in 2010 of the European Council president, Herman Van Rompuy, I find myself asking: what is the point of Ed Davey? As with Van Rompuy, having the appearance of a ‘low-grade bank clerk’ has its political advantages.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in