Devon council leader says Ed Davey unsuitable to lead Lib Dems

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil told the BBC that Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey is not the right person to head the party. Brazil, who chairs the county’s governing body and is a Conservative councillor, made the remarks during a televised interview on Thursday, saying he believes the party needs a leader who can more effectively challenge the government on local issues.

The comments come amid ongoing debates within the Liberal Democrats over leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election. Brazil did not elaborate on specific policy disagreements, but his statement adds to a series of public critiques of Davey’s performance since he assumed the party’s top post in 2020. The Liberal Democrat spokesperson declined to comment on Brazil’s remarks, while the Conservative group on the council noted that the leader’s view reflects broader concerns about the party’s national direction.