Chichester Lib Dems welcome new party leader

Sir Ed Davey, who has been serving as its acting leader, won the leadership race beating out Layla Moran after securing almost two-thirds of votes cast.

The Kingston and Surbiton MP succeeds Jo Swinson, who lost her Scottish seat at December’s general election.

He was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change under the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government before losing his seat in 2015, regaining it two years later.

According to the local party, the national campaign between two ‘brilliant’ MPs and experienced campaigners has ‘engaged Lib Dem members up and down the county and seen many young people enthused by the debate’.

Kate O’Kelly, Lib Dem county councillor for Midhurst, said: “Ed Davey has a clear mandate to lead the party - an exciting leadership campaign that engaged members up and down the country with strong performance from Layla who inspires the young. 

“Ed has fantastic green credentials tripling renewables when in Government.”

Adrian Moss, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Chichester District Council, said: “I am really excited with Ed’s election as he brings with him a commitment to the environment and a deep understanding of the economic challenges Britain faces today. We welcome moderates from all parties to come and join us and campaign for a fairer greener, caring Britain.”

Chichester Lib Dems particularly welcomed Ed’s commitment to embark on a national tour to meet people and ensure the party engages with the issues that concern people.

Talking about the challenges of Covid-19 in his election speech Sir Ed said: “As leader of the Liberal Democrats, I want to reach out to help you and your community get through this. Whether your concerns are your families’ health, your children’s education or your livelihood. I want to understand the new future you want after all this - and help to deliver it.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.