Lib Dem Conference Speeches

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 18 Sep

   One MP raised the majority of voters (52% according to YouGov,) who view the party as "weak" in recent polling; and the tendency to say it's unclear what the party stands for (43% believing the party was weak, to 18% thinking it was strong).

   2 outlets · BBC
2. 19 Sep

   Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said his party “won’t give up the fight” to defeat “nasty populism” as he issued a rallying call to members on the first day of the party’s annual conference.

   2 outlets · Evening Standard
3. 22 Sep

   ‘Taking 2 million more people out of paying tax altogether, and giving most taxpayers a £680 tax cut.

   2 outlets · Daily Mail

Coverage 17 articles

• 23 Sep QUENTIN LETTS: Sir Ed was in no mood for giggles. He narrowed his eyes like a border collie in a pick-upQuentin Letts writes an opinion piece for the Daily Mail about Sir Edward Davey's speech at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton. The article mocks Davey's grandiose demeanor and criticizes his speech, which focused heavily on warning against far-right extremism but neglected to address the Green Party as a rival threat. Letts describes Davey's performance as lacking originality and overly self-important…Daily Mail
• 22 Sep Lib Dems leave conference buoyed by Davey's messageSir Ed Davey delivered a serious message at the Liberal Democrats' party conference, focusing on economic growth through rejoining the EU's Single Market and customs union to fund tax cuts worth billions of pounds, including benefits for higher income earners. The plan contrasts with Reform UK and Conservative proposals by emphasizing spending rather than cutting welfare benefits. However, there are doubts about the…BBC
• 22 Sep Davey promises tax cuts for millions if UK rejoins EU single marketLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey announced plans during his party's conference to cut taxes by raising the annual tax-free personal allowance to £15,000 and increasing the 40p income tax threshold to £56,000. The proposed £17 billion package would take effect in the fifth year of a Lib Dem government following the UK rejoining the EU single market and customs union. Davey criticized Reform UK's similar proposal…BBC
• 22 Sep Davey pledges tax cuts as Lib Dems in ‘fight of our lives’Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey pledged to raise the tax-free personal allowance to £15,000 by 2034 if his party forms the next government. This would be funded through economic growth from rejoining the EU single market and customs union, unlike Reform UK's proposal which he described as "cruelty." Davey also criticized Nigel Farage for fueling anti-migrant sentiments and claimed that millions of moderate…Evening Standard
• 22 Sep Labour under pressure to slash tax as even the Lib Dems promise £17bn income tax cuts - but Ed Davey claims only reversing Brexit can make it happenLiberal Democrats leader Ed Davey announced plans to cut £17 billion in income taxes, proposing to raise the personal allowance from £12,570 to £15,000 by 2029 if his party enters government. This would remove around 2.5 million people from paying any income tax and move another 760,000 out of the higher rate bracket, saving individuals an average of £680 annually. However, Davey insists that these plans can only be…Daily Mail
• 22 Sep Caution versus ambition: strategy debate dominates Lib Dem conferenceAt the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, party frontbencher Lisa Smart criticized polling expert John Curtice for misunderstanding modern politics, arguing that focused electoral strategies can still yield significant results despite a lack of national visibility. The debate centered on whether the party should continue its targeted seat strategy or adopt a broader national message, with current leaders like…The Guardian
• 22 Sep QUENTIN LETTS: Pour me a hemlock martini. The cliches at the Lib Dem conference give you early-onset rigor mortisQuentin Letts writes a scathing opinion piece for the Daily Mail about the Liberal Democrats' conference in Brighton, describing it as dull and nearly empty. The article mocks the repetitive platitudes delivered by speakers and sarcastically comments on the lack of enthusiasm among attendees, particularly younger members who seem to have shifted towards the Green party. Letts also highlights a brief moment of levity…Daily Mail
• 21 Sep Liberal Democrats to focus on tax cuts and Europe – Sir Ed DaveySir Edward Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, announced plans to focus on tax cuts and rejoining the EU’s customs union and single market during his party's conference in Brighton. The party aims to boost its appeal ahead of the next general election by emphasizing economic benefits from these policies while addressing concerns over their relevance amid increasing competition from other parties. Despite facing…Evening Standard
• 21 Sep I've got no ceiling on Lib Dem ambitions, says leader Ed DaveyLib Dem leader Ed Davey asserts his ambition to become prime minister rather than just a coalition partner. He defended supporting the Jackdaw gas field, stating it meets environmental standards and is part of transitioning to renewable energy. Despite recent polling placing the party in fourth or fifth place, Davey claims an "historic opportunity" for electoral gains by exploiting divisions on the right.BBC
• 21 Sep Liberal Democrats to focus on tax cuts and Europe – Sir Ed DaveySir Edward Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, announced plans to focus on tax cuts and rejoining the EU's customs union and single market during the party's conference in Brighton. He stated that these initiatives are aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and boosting economic growth by reducing barriers for businesses. The article highlights internal challenges faced by the party regarding public perception…Evening Standard

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