Now the Lib Dems plunge into civil war as frontbencher quits amid rumours of coup against Ed Davey

Published: 11:20 EDT, 9 October 2026 | Updated: 11:42 EDT, 9 October 2026 The Lib Dems have plunged into civil war amid an apparent bid to topple leader Ed Davey. Charlie Maynard, the MP for Witney, has quit as the party's Treasury spokesman, with reports of a brewing coup.Mr Maynard is reported to have asked parliamentary colleagues to back a vote of no confidence in the leader.Disquiet has been mounting in Lib Dem ranks over the lack of progress in the polls, despite the party having returned a record 72 MPs two years ago. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper backed Sir Ed this afternoon, saying the 'vast majority' of the party's MPs wanted him to remain as leader and were 'furious at this distraction'. The Lib Dems have plunged into civil war amid an apparent bid to topple leader Ed Davey (pictured at party conference last month) Charlie Maynard, the MP for Witney, has quit as the party's Treasury spokesman, with reports of a brewing coup She said: 'We Liberal Democrats are the last line of defence against a Reform UK government, and Ed is determined to lead a strong and united party into the next general election whenever it comes.'As Ed said at conference we are in the fight of our lives against the right who want to turn our country into their version of Trump's America.'Other frontbenchers also looked to be making a coordinated effort to prop up the leader.Helen Morgan, who holds the health brief, said: 'For the avoidance of doubt, I won't be signing this letter. It's a ridiculous distraction. Ed is clearly the best person to lead us to the next General Election and beyond, and like the overwhelming majority of my MP colleagues, I'm absolutely furious.'Defence spokesman James MacCleary posted on X: 'This move is poorly judged when we should be concentrating on defeating the far right.' Trade spokesman Joshua Reynolds said: 'Ed was right to say at that we are in the fight of our lives against the right, who want to turn our country into their version of Trump's America.'@EdwardJDavey is the most successful leader in Lib Dem history, and will be the one to lead us into the next General Election.'Science spokeswoman Victoria Collins posted on X: 'Ed led us to a historic win as Liberal Democrats, getting so many colleagues elected, and is fighting for this country's future. 'Alongside many colleagues, I'm focused on delivering for local people, shaping our nation's future for the better and standing as a united party to take on the Right.' Mr Maynard declined to comment.Since 2024 the Lib Dems have gained little ground in the polls, with the latest YouGov research putting the party on 11 per cent – just below their share in 2024.