Lib Dem leader Hails ‘Groundbreaking Results’ in English Local Elections

THE GUARDIAN: Ed Davey says party has delivered ‘hammer blow’ to Tories in blue wall seats before general election

The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, makes a speech to local activists during a rally in Eastleigh, Hampshire on Thursday. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Media
Ed Davey has hailed what he called “groundbreaking results” for the Liberal Democrats in local elections, as party activists predicted they were on track to oust large number of Conservative MPs in so-called blue wall seats.

In early results, the Lib Dems defeated the Conservatives to win control of Windsor and Maidenhead council, Theresa May’s home territory.

Across England the party had gained nearly 60 seats, with the bulk of its target areas still to count, and maintained control of seven other councils.

“These are groundbreaking results for the Liberal Democrats, far exceeding the expectations,” Davey, the party’s leader, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “We’ve been beating Conservatives, and I think it’s going to get worse.” » | Peter Walker, Deputy political editor | Friday, May 5, 2023

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