Liberal Democrat MP quits Treasury role, calls for Ed Davey’s removal
MP Charlie Maynard stepped down as the party’s Treasury spokesman and urged that Sir Ed Davey be replaced as Liberal Democrat leader.
Charlie Maynard, who captured the traditionally Conservative Witney seat in 2024, resigned from his Treasury spokesman position and publicly called for Sir Ed Davey to be replaced as Liberal Democrat leader. Party insiders acknowledge a modest faction of MPs sharing Maynard’s concerns, while deputy leader Daisy Cooper emphasized that the overwhelming majority continue to support Davey and view the episode as a needless diversion.
The Liberal Democrat constitution requires a no-confidence vote by a majority of MPs and a challenger to obtain nominations from at least 10% of the parliamentary party plus backing from 200 members across 20 local parties. Davey, who has led the party for six years and steered it to a record 72 seats in the 2024 election, has struggled to maintain momentum, with polling remaining low and internal criticism over his stance on the pension triple-lock. Recent comments from figures such as Andy Burnham and council leader Julian Brazil have added to the pressure, questioning the party’s relevance and ambition.
Why it matters
The resignation signals growing internal dissent that could trigger a leadership contest and reshape the Liberal Democrats' direction.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Andy Burnham signals possible UK return to the EU after condemning Brexit
- Sep 30 The Prime Minister now says re‑joining the EU is among the options the government will consider.
- Sep 30 Burnham signaled that full EU membership is among the possible routes Labour could evaluate.
- Oct 3 A new poll shows half of British adults now support rejoining the EU.
- Oct 4 Kemi Badenoch opened the Conservative conference by framing the Tories as a common-sense party, unveiling pledges on tighter welfare, prison expansion and free childcare for high-earning families.
- Oct 5 Badenoch pushed to drop the £100,000 childcare tax cap at the conference.
- Oct 5 Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch announced a £10 billion “Britannia Shield” programme to give Britain an Iron-Dome-style missile and drone defence.
- Oct 6 Badenoch rejected claims the scheme mirrors Israel's Iron Dome.
- Oct 6 Announced a cut to employer National Insurance for 21‑ to 24‑year‑olds from 15% to 7.5%.
- Oct 7 Badenoch announced a defence spending target of 3% of GDP.
- Oct 8 Badenoch denounced Reform UK as ethnically exclusive at the conference.
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