The Liberal Democrats are facing growing dissatisfaction among their membership, according to a poll released as the party convened for its annual conference. The survey indicates that party leader Sir Ed Davey is experiencing significantly lower approval compared to leaders of other major parties.

Polling data from Ipsos shows that only half of those who voted for the Liberal Democrats in 2024 would currently support the party, with 23 percent expressing intentions to switch their support to left-leaning parties and 15 percent to parties on the right. Nationally, the Liberal Democrats are polling at 9 percent, falling behind the Green Party at 12 percent, the Conservative Party at 18 percent, Reform UK at 25 percent, and Labour at 28 percent.

Within the party membership, 14 percent indicated dissatisfaction with Sir Ed Davey’s leadership, while a notable 33 percent remain uncertain about their support. The poll analysis also highlights a broader challenge for the party. Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage described the party as “struggling for relevance,” while Ipsos analyst Alex Bogdan suggested the party is “caught in political purgatory,” reflecting a perceived difficulty in establishing a clear political identity and agenda.

In response to the criticism, Sir Ed Davey emphasized the party’s economic platform, asserting that the Liberal Democrats offer the only plan aimed at revitalizing the economy and increasing disposable income for citizens. His comments underline a focus on economic policy as a potential pathway to regain support ahead of future elections.

The release of the poll and the comments from party figures come at a critical moment for the Liberal Democrats, as they seek to strengthen their position amid competition from both established and emerging political groups in the United Kingdom.