Sir Ed Davey has gloated about “taking the fight” to Nigel Farage in his New Year message to the nation.
The Liberal Democrat leader, who last week swiped at “right-wing conspiracy theorists” in his Christmas message, used his pre-recorded address to look back on his electoral achievements in 2025.
Speaking opposite the Houses of Parliament beside Westminster Bridge, Sir Ed said: “2025 hasn’t always been easy, but I am so proud of everything our Liberal Democrat team has achieved this year.
“Our record breaking success in the local elections – beating Labour and the Conservatives.
“Our victories in Parliament – from banning puppy smuggling to backing a new Customs Union with the EU.
“Fighting to end the cost-of-living crisis. Protect our environment. Fix the NHS and social care.
“Standing up to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Taking the fight to Nigel Farage – and winning.
“And we can win again in 2026 – in Scotland, Wales and across England.
Sir Ed Davey delivered his New Year message opposite the Houses of Parliament
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LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
“To stop Trump’s America becoming Farage’s Britain. And change our country for the better.
“So from all of us at the Liberal Democrats: I hope you have a happy and hopeful New Year. Let’s make it a good one.”
Sir Ed also included a round-up of 2025 in his message, with the Liberal Democrat leader sharing footage of him playing cricket, visiting farmers, opposing Mr Trump’s tariffs and standing up for Gazans over the “abhorrent” war in Gaza.
He also included footage of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch swiping at the Liberal Democrats for “fixing church roofs”.
PICTURED: Zia Yusuf, Nigel Farage and Reform activists cheer as Sarah Pochin wins the Runcorn & Helsby by-election | PA
However, Liberal Democrat leader also shared footage from inside the House of Commons, including a fiery exchange between MPs and Nigel Farage.
Despite claiming the Liberal Democrats have been defeating Reform UK at the ballot box, opinion polls continue to show Mr Farage’s party as the frontrunners ahead of the next general election.
Find Out Now’s Christmas Eve poll puts Reform UK on 30 per cent, 12 points ahead of the Tories in second.
Meanwhile, Zack Polanski’s Green Party soared from seven per cent in 2024 to 17 per cent.
Sir Ed also included a round-up of 2025 in his message, with the Liberal Democrat leader sharing footage of him playing cricket
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PA
Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour has seen its support more than halve to just 14 per cent, leaving the Liberal Democrats in fifth place on just 12 per cent.
However, Sir Ed had plenty to smile about at the 2025 Local Elections, finishing second nationally after winning an extra 163 wards and taking control of an additional three councils.
The Liberal Democrats have also won more council by-elections in 2025 than any other party, narrowly edging out Reform UK by just one seat.
Despite claiming to have put Mr Farage on the back foot, Reform UK recorded the most by-election gains of any party since the 2025 Local Elections.
Nigel Farage claimed victory in Kent following the 2025 Local Elections | PA
Mr Farage has picked up an additional 58 wards since May 1, with the Liberal Democrats and Greens adding an extra 19 and two to their respective tallies.
Reform UK is also polling strongly ahead of key electoral contests in Scotland and Wales, while the Liberal Democrats remain in single digits ahead of polls opening for both bouts.
However, Sir Ed will still hope to make significant inroads on May 7 next year, with Liberal Democrat candidates expected to perform strongly in London and the Home Counties.
Sir Ed faces his next major challenge on January 16, when MPs will debate the second reading of Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton’s proposed legislation for the UK to join a Customs Union with the EU.
The proposed legislation to rejoin the customs union will return to the House of Commons for its second reading on January 16 next year | PARLIAMENT TV
The Ten Minute Rule Bill, which was brought forward by the Surrey Heath MP on December 9, passed by a majority of one.
The vote was evenly split with 100 MPs supporting calls to bind Britain to Brussels’s rule-taking trade arrangement and 100 MPs voting against.
Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes, who had the whip removed by Boris Johnson after rebelling against Brexit in September 2019, was called to cast the deciding vote.
Ms Nokes pointed out that her casting vote was merely following parliamentary precedent.
“In accordance with precedent, I will cast the casting vote aye to allow further debate,” Ms Nokes said.