Liberal Democrat Leader Keeps Coalition Option Open With Burnham but Focuses on Winning More Seats

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, declined to rule out forming a coalition with a future Labour government headed by Andy Burnham, GB News reported. Speaking to the outlet, Davey said his primary focus remains securing more seats for the party.

He noted that the Liberal Democrats won 72 seats in the last general election, their best result in over 100 years, and have recorded eight years of net gains in local elections.

The remarks followed the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, with Andy Burnham expected to take over as Labour leader and prime minister. Davey stated that calls for a general election are likely to grow. He said he wants to see change delivered before any immediate vote.

"We want to see change. I think Andy Burnham’s got a very small window to deliver on that change. I think the calls for a general election will increase," he said. Davey also stressed the need for a Defence Investment Plan ahead of a NATO summit.