A Liberal Democrat MP has resigned from a frontbench position citing concerns about the leadership of Ed Davey, the party announced. The departure, reported today, removes one of the party’s appointed spokespeople and marks a public break with the leadership team of the Liberal Democrats.
Daisy Cooper, the party’s deputy leader, responded to the resignation by stressing continued backing for Ed Davey within the parliamentary group. She said that the vast majority of MPs support the leader and expressed frustration at what she described as a distracting episode for the party.
Frontbench roles in the parliamentary party are allocated to MPs to shadow government portfolios, speak for party policy and cover media duties. The sudden vacancy will require a reassignment of those responsibilities among remaining spokespeople while the parliamentary leadership confirms next steps.
The resignation and the deputy leader’s remarks are the most recent developments in an internal dispute over leadership questions. Party officials have so far limited public comment to acknowledgements of the change and to Ms Cooper’s statement that most MPs continue to back Ed Davey. Political observers say the episode will be watched for its impact on party cohesion and messaging ahead of forthcoming parliamentary business.
