Sir Ed Davey has declared the Liberal Democrats the only effective “firewall” against a right-wing alliance, as the party’s annual conference begins in Brighton.
Speaking on the opening day of the event on Saturday 19 September 2026, Sir Ed warned of a “moral responsibility” to block what he described as an “unholy alliance” between Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative Party.
The conference, held at the Brighton Centre until Tuesday 22 September, arrives as the party seeks to defend and build upon its record 72 seats won in the 2024 General Election. Sir Ed remained bullish about the party’s role in the current political landscape.
To prepare for the possibility of a snap election under Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour government, the Liberal Democrats have established a manifesto working group. Led by Tom Morrison MP, the group is tasked with refining policies that could see the party exceed its current parliamentary strength.
Sir Ed’s message focuses heavily on the “Orange Wall”—the swathe of seats in southern England where the Liberal Democrats are now the primary challengers to the Conservatives. According to The Guardian, the party is also using the platform to introduce major constitutional reforms, including a proposal for a “New Magna Carta” written constitution.
Policy focus and conference agenda
Beyond constitutional changes, the four-day agenda includes key motions on children in temporary accommodation and proposals regarding the UK’s relationship with the European single market.
Ahead of the official start, Sir Ed visited a local fish and chip shop in Brighton to highlight the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households nationwide.
The Brighton Centre was selected as the venue earlier this year, with registration having opened to party members in mid-May. While the event is taking place in East Sussex, the party’s strategy remains focused on maintaining its national momentum as the third-largest party in the House of Commons.