Sir Ed Davey most dissatisfied Lib Dem leader in new Ipsos poll

On the opening day of the Liberal Democrats’ annual conference, a new Ipsos poll revealed that only 53 % of the party’s supporters say they are satisfied with Sir Ed Davey, while 14 % are dissatisfied. The net satisfaction rating of +39 is the lowest among the major parties, eclipsing even Labour’s Andy Burnham, who sits at +61. The finding, released at 01:01 EDT on 19 September 2026, comes as the party prepares to sharpen its platform for a general election that will not be called until 2029 unless the government moves earlier.

The Ipsos data, released on the first day of the conference, shows that 14 % of Lib Dem supporters are dissatisfied with Davey, 33 % are unsure, and 53 % are satisfied. This translates into a net satisfaction rating of +39, the lowest figure among the parties surveyed. For comparison, the Conservatives’ Kemi Badenoch sits at +46, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage at +73, the Greens’ Zack Polanski at +72, and Labour’s Andy Burnham at +61.

These figures are striking against the backdrop of the party’s current national polling. The Liberal Democrats are hovering at roughly 9 % in the latest national polls, behind the Greens at 12 % and the Conservatives at 18 %. Reform UK remains ahead of the Lib Dems at 25 %, with Labour at 28 %. The Ipsos poll therefore underscores a growing disconnect between the party’s core supporters and its public image.

Sir Ed Davey has responded to the poll by framing the conference as a chance to “firm up” the party’s platform, focusing on health and the economy. He said the party is a “strong force now” and that it has been “winning council by‑elections” and making gains in local elections since the last general election. “We’ll go into the next election strong, stronger than we’ve ever been in my time in politics,” he told the Press Association.

However, the poll’s results echo criticism from within the party, notably from MP Roz Savage, who described the Liberal Democrats as “struggling for relevance” and calling for a “coherent picture of the country we are trying to create.” Savage’s concerns were echoed in an essay for the Compass group ahead of the conference, where she urged the party to rediscover its “insurgent spirit.”

Davey’s leadership style has been marked by high‑profile stunts designed to capture media attention. He recently hurtled himself down a giant slip‑and‑slide in an inflatable ring for a general election stunt. While these actions have been praised for their visibility, some activists argue they lack the seriousness needed to convey a clear brand. The Ipsos poll notes that 35 % of Britons view Sir Ed as an honest person and 31 % see him as in touch with ordinary people, but only 21 % feel he has the right plans for Britain.

Alex Bogdan, research director at Ipsos, described the Liberal Democrats as “caught in a difficult political purgatory.” He said the party has traditionally thrived when voters swing between Labour and the Conservatives, but has yet to secure a firm place in the increasingly fragmented political landscape. “With half of their 2024 voters looking elsewhere or sitting undecided, the central challenge for the leadership is proving why the Liberal Democrats remain a necessary force,” Bogdan added.

In the days leading up to the conference, Davey has also dismissed claims that the party’s focus on social care and public control of water companies could dilute its message. He argued that these issues are integral to the party’s identity and that a potential partnership with Labour would not compromise its agenda. The conference will also feature a visit to a fish and chip shop to highlight the cost‑of‑living pressures that many voters feel.

Reform UK and the Conservatives have been singled out as the main rivals. Davey has portrayed the Conservatives as preparing for a post‑election pact with Nigel Farage, which he said would turn Britain into a “Trump satellite state.” He warned that such an alliance would harm the NHS, the environment, and community cohesion. The conference will also see the party emphasise its willingness to fight Reform, calling for a “bigger orange wall” to block its path to Downing Street.

What the data suggests is a leadership at a crossroads. With only half of the party’s 2024 voters likely to return in 2026, and with a net satisfaction rating that lags behind even the opposition, the Liberal Democrats face a critical test at the conference. The party’s strategy will hinge on whether it can translate its high‑profile stunts and policy proposals into a coherent narrative that resonates with its base and the wider electorate.

Timeline of Key Events

• 19 September 2026 – Ipsos poll released; conference opens.
• 19 September 2026 – Sir Ed Davey announces focus on health and economy.
• 19 September 2026 – Roz Savage publishes essay on relevance.
• 20 September 2026 – Davey visits fish and chip shop to highlight cost of living.
• 2029 – Next general election scheduled, unless called earlier by the Prime Minister.

What to Watch Next

• Key speeches at the conference, particularly Davey’s outline of the platform.
• Party’s response to the Ipsos findings and any policy adjustments.
• Public and media reaction to the stunts and the party’s messaging strategy.
• Polling trends in the lead-up to the 2029 general election.

The Liberal Democrats’ future will be shaped by how the party addresses the dissatisfaction highlighted by the Ipsos poll. Whether Davey can rally his base behind a clear, compelling vision remains to be seen. The next few weeks will see the party’s leaders confront the challenges posed by internal criticism, external competition, and the need to articulate a distinct identity in a politically fragmented landscape.