Sir Ed Davey has launched his campaign for leadership of the Lib Dems, with a promise to improve the conditions for carers. Sir Ed has filled the role of acting Liberal Democrat leader since Jo Swinson stepped down from the post following the 2019 election, in which the party lost ten seats.
Layla Moran and Wera Hobhouse are also vying for the position.
Initially delayed until May 2021 due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the contest has been brought forward, and will now take place this summer. Nominations open on 24 June, and the winner will be announced when the ballot shuts in late August.
Virtual hustings will take place with candidates, and the annual Lib Dem conference will also take place online at the end of September.
This is not the first time Sir Ed has put his hat in the ring, having stood for the position in 2019 when it was won by Swinson. He plans to dedicate this campaign towards creating a "liberal, greener and more caring society". Sir Ed continued that his experience of caring for his disabled son demonstrated to him that "far too often carers get a raw deal.”
He continued: "A caring revolution starts by properly recognising the unpaid work so many do looking after loved ones - and a citizens' basic income could do just that.”
The party has faced accusations of being undemocratic in their plan to stop Brexit without calling a second referendum. This was the subject of an internal inquiry which concluded: "Beyond 'stopping Brexit', our other policies and messages struggled to cut through.”
