Lib Dems Urged to Focus on Policy Over Stunts, Survey Shows

Published: 22 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A recent study presented at the Liberal Democrats’ annual conference has suggested that the party risks alienating voters by relying on attention-grabbing stunts, urging a shift toward a more serious and substantive policy agenda. The findings, revealed by the More in Common thinktank, indicate that while the party has the potential to expand beyond its historic total of 72 MPs from the last general election, many prospective supporters remain uncertain about its political priorities and direction.

Polling data showed that over 60% of voters consider party leader Ed Davey’s election stunts inappropriate given the pressing national challenges facing the United Kingdom, while only 21% believed such activities were an effective way to attract attention. The sentiment was echoed even among current Liberal Democrat supporters, with nearly half expressing concern that Davey’s series of high-profile media moments risked diminishing the party’s credibility.

During the previous general election campaign, Davey’s public stunts—including a bungee jump, a water slide ride, and a rollercoaster appearance—were closely tied to policy announcements and were credited with helping the party gain media coverage. While these types of performances have been scaled back, the recent party conference saw Davey arrive at the venue led by a marching band, highlighting the ongoing tension between showmanship and substantive political messaging. At the same conference, former leader Tim Farron criticised the aggressive use of national symbols, such as the union jack and St George’s cross, which were distributed to the audience, framing it as a form of overly nationalistic display.

Despite these criticisms, party officials maintain that the Liberal Democrats possess a comprehensive set of properly costed policies. Key focus areas include healthcare and social care reforms, environmental initiatives addressing waterway pollution, and immigration policies aimed at streamlining asylum processes. Ahead of the conference, Davey proposed declaring a national emergency over asylum to reduce the backlog of unprocessed cases and to prevent refugees from languishing in prolonged uncertainty.

Deputy leader and Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper outlined plans to levy a windfall tax on major bank profits, with revenues earmarked for measures to reduce household energy bills. Calum Miller, the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, defended the use of visually striking events, arguing that such stunts help the party gain media exposure while complementing substantive policy work. “One of the reasons the strategy of doing something visually appealing was adopted by Ed and the party was to get coverage in the media,” Miller explained. “The images of Ed with his marching band or the sea of union jacks at the rally ensured extensive media attention.”

Private discussions among MPs and party officials reflect a similar view, with one insider noting the importance of balancing attention-grabbing moments with policy substance. According to the More in Common survey, conducted in August and September, the Liberal Democrats maintain around 15% core support, but roughly 30% of the electorate remains open to backing the party in future elections. If this momentum continues, the party could potentially win more than 100 seats in the next general election, particularly in constituencies gained last year that are considered defendable.

However, the research also revealed challenges for Davey. Only a third of respondents expressed confidence in the Liberal Democrats as part of a coalition government, while many voters remain unclear on the party’s overall platform. The survey highlighted increasing support among younger voters, likely influenced by the party’s strong positions on international issues such as the Gaza conflict, where Davey notably boycotted a state dinner with Donald Trump due to perceived inaction by the United States in promoting peace.

Additionally, the Liberal Democrats have distinguished themselves from Labour in responding to far-right demonstrations in London, condemning the aggressive language used and promoting a responsible display of patriotism. Cooper emphasised that public expressions of nationalism, such as hanging flags on street furniture, can send unintended messages and should be limited to private spaces such as homes and windows.

The survey underscores the importance for the Liberal Democrats of clarifying their policies, improving voter trust, and striking the right balance between engaging, media-friendly initiatives and substantive political work. For a party seeking to expand its parliamentary presence and influence, the findings suggest that a renewed focus on coherent policy messaging may be crucial in winning broader support and maintaining credibility in the eyes of the electorate.