Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has sparked internal discontent among his party MPs after suggesting a potential post-election coalition with the Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch. Speaking last week, Davey indicated that, in the event of a hung Parliament, the Lib Dems might support a pact with the Conservatives to block the rise of the Reform Party. This comment has drawn criticism from within his party, with some MPs expressing frustration over revisiting coalition talks reminiscent of the 2010-2015 Conservative-Liberal Democrat government, which was unpopular among many members. While Davey later clarified on social media that it would make little sense to assist either the Conservatives or Reform in gaining power after working to defeat them, some MPs remain unconvinced, interpreting his remarks as an opening for a new coalition that could risk the party’s recent progress.

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly has resigned from his role as Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to pursue the Conservative nomination for mayor of London. Cleverly, formerly home and foreign secretary and a key figure in the party, informed party leader Kemi Badenoch of his decision last week. His departure comes ahead of an anticipated shadow cabinet reshuffle. The London mayoral election is scheduled for 2028, and while current Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan has not confirmed whether he will seek a fourth term, polling suggests the final contest could be a runoff between Labour and Reform UK candidates. Cleverly cited concerns about Khan’s leadership, describing the capital as being "on the wrong track" and critiquing Khan’s record on policing, taxation, and regulation. The move marks a shift in Conservative efforts to challenge Labour’s longstanding control in London, where the party has historically struggled to field high-profile candidates. Reform UK has already announced assemblywoman Laila Cunningham as their candidate, while other names, including Lord Coe, are also linked to the race.

In defence matters, Chancellor John Healey has faced criticism from former defence secretaries and opposition figures after shelving plans to raise defence spending to the previously targeted levels. Healey, who resigned as Defence Secretary in June over disputes related to the sufficiency of defence funding, is now reportedly preparing a budget that addresses a financial shortfall in the Defence Investment Plan but falls short of the promised increase to 3 percent of GDP. This target, along with a NATO commitment of 3.5 percent by 2035, would require billions in additional spending. Critics including Sir Gavin Williamson and Dame Penny Mordaunt have accused Healey of compromising national security by delaying or reducing defence commitments and questioned the sincerity of his earlier resignation, which was presented as an act of principle. Some within Labour have also voiced confusion over the change in stance, noting that defence remains a national priority. A government spokesman said that the upcoming spending review would outline a pathway to meet NATO obligations by 2035, with an interim target of 3 percent GDP defence spending to be set. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in the UK’s approach to national security funding amid evolving geopolitical challenges.