Lib Dems ‘ facing revival or irrelevance’

THE LIBERAL Democrats are at a crossroads between “revival or irrelevance”, MP Layla Moran has said, as the party’s long- running leadership battle draws to a close.

Ms Moran insisted the Lib Dems were on “life support” as voting closed in her contest to head the party against front runner Sir Ed Davey yesterday. Previous leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in the December General Election when the party saw its tally of MPs drop to 11.

Ms Moran said: “After a decade of decline, the Liberal Democrats are at a crossroads between revival or irrelevance. I’m urging members to seize this opportunity to renew the party, so we can transform the country. That starts by acknowledging our mistakes, listening to voters and showing them we are on their side.

“Our party has a chance to thrive, not just survive. Electing me as leader will send a clear signal that we are moving forward.

“Only then can we start rebuilding trust, living our liberal values again and making clear to the electorate what we stand for on the issues that matter.

“The country is crying out for a strong liberal voice that will hold this Government to account and give every individual the security and opportunity to live life as they choose. It’s time to take the Liberal Democrats off life support and start winning again, so we can deliver the change the country desperately needs.”

Sir Ed said: “The next leader faces a huge job to rebuild the party, take on the Conservatives and get the party winning nationally again.

An internal Lib Dem inquiry into the party’s poor performance in the last General Election likened the campaign to a “highspeed car crash”.

The new Lib Dem leader will be announced today.