Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, faced a mixed reception during the party’s recent conference, where his attempt to rally activists with a new slogan fell flat among some observers. On Saturday, Davey led a chant of “We care, we fight,” repeating the phrase several times in an effort to energize supporters. However, the delivery received sharp criticism from comedian Geoff Norcott, who dismissed the performance as underwhelming.

The Liberal Democrats are currently grappling with declining support, partly due to competition from the Green Party, and internal restlessness appears to be growing. Backbench MPs have reportedly started discussions about potential alternative leadership, with names such as Al Pinkerton, Josh Babarinde, and Max Wilkinson emerging in whispered speculation. Political commentator Mathew Hulbert described party activists as “in despair” over the current direction, suggesting that Davey’s more conciliatory leadership style may need significant change to reverse the party’s fortunes.

Pollster Luke Tryl offered some optimism, highlighting a curious local pattern of support. According to Tryl, Liberal Democrat backing stands at 19 percent among residents living near Gail’s Bakery, compared with 12 percent nationally. While such data may provide some comfort, it does little to address broader challenges facing the party.

In other news, Sir Paul McCartney shared a personal anecdote about his pet terrapin, “Terry the Terrific Terrapin,” whom he describes as an easygoing companion requiring little fuss or attention. McCartney, reflecting on his history of collaborating with famously strong-willed partners, expressed appreciation for Terry’s low-maintenance nature, noting he rewards the terrapin with peeled grapes. The former Beatle did not rule out the possibility that Terry could inspire future musical work.

Meanwhile, Oxford residents continue to express frustration over the prolonged construction of a £237 million railway bridge over Botley Road. The project, which took more than three years to complete, has now surpassed the construction times of iconic structures such as the London Eye, the Titanic, and the Eiffel Tower. Local commentator Peter Hitchens criticized the bridge and the associated station redevelopment, labeling it an "extraordinary" but “uglier” transformation. Hitchens referred to the delay as emblematic of broader issues with Britain’s infrastructure projects, calling it “Low Speed 1 — a fantastically slow achievement of nothing at all.”

Finally, tributes were paid this week to Fred Winter, a legendary figure in horse racing who would have turned 100. Winter was remembered for his quick wit, exemplified by an incident in which he humorously explained to a disgruntled aristocratic owner why one of his horses finished last: “I couldn’t come without the ’orse, m’ Lord.”