Ed Davey demands General Election to end Conservative circus at victory rally in Frome

EMBARGO: Immedidate Release

• Liberal Democrats overturn 19,000 Conservative majority with by-election win for Sarah Dyke in Somerton and Frome

• Ed Davey calls for a General Election: “It’s time end this Conservative circus and get these clowns out of No.10”

In a victory rally to celebrate another stunning by-election result, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, has demanded a general election to end the “Conservative circus.” 

In Somerton and Frome, the Liberal Democrats overturned a 19,000 majority and pulled off a 29% swing with 21,187 votes, compared to the Conservatives’ 10,179.  

The rally in Frome town centre was attended by South West Lib Dem MPs Wera Hobhouse (Bath) and Richard Foord (Tiverton and Honiton) along with activists from across the country. 

After arriving with the new Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, Sarah Dyke, Ed Davey lit a giant circus cannon and led a countdown that ended with a sea of confetti blanketing the crowd. 

The party’s victory marks the fourth by-election win against the Conservatives since Ed Davey became leader of the party in 2020. It is also the second seat the party has gained in the South West, as the Liberal Democrats overturned a 24,000 majority to win nearby Tiverton and Honiton last year. 

Speaking at the victory rally, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“The people of Somerton and Frome have spoken for the country and sent a message to this appalling Conservative government. 

“People are struggling to get a GP appointment or find a dentist for their kids. They are working hard and making big sacrifices just to make ends meet, and yet the Conservatives are so out of touch they don’t even seem to notice.

“That’s why lifelong Conservative voters have turned to the Liberal Democrats in their thousands, and why longtime Labour voters have lent us their support to get the Conservatives out.

“Ringmaster Rishi is out of touch, out of ideas and out of excuses. It’s time for a General Election to end this Conservative circus and get these clowns out of No.10”

ENDS

Notes To Editors:

Full text of Ed Davey’s speech at the Liberal Democrat by-election victory rally:

***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY***

Wow! You know, I’m starting to really like by-elections…

Chesham and Amersham. North Shropshire. Tiverton and Honiton.

And now the brilliant Sarah Dyke, MP for Somerton and Frome!

And with a 11,008 majority!

Friends, what we have achieved here is nothing short of spectacular.

I am delighted that Liberal Democrats are winning again in the old Liberal heartlands of the South West.

Somerset Council last year, followed by Richard’s amazing win in Tiverton and Honiton.

Then taking control of three more Devon councils this May.

And now another historic by-election victory in Somerset.

The trend was clear before. Now it’s beyond doubt:

The Liberal Democrats are back in the West Country!

It means a lot to me to be able to celebrate this victory with Lady Jane Ashdown. I know Paddy would have loved today.

What I’ve heard here in Somerset and right across the country is that people are angry.

Angry, that while they work hard and make big sacrifices to make ends meet –

While they struggle to get a GP appointment, or to find a dentist for their kids –

The Conservatives are so out of touch they don’t even seem to notice.

They’re too busy clowning around in their own political circus to do anything to help.

That’s why lifelong Conservative voters have turned to the Liberal Democrats in their thousands.

And it’s why lifelong Labour voters have lent us their support to get the Conservatives out.

It’s why people of all backgrounds and all walks of life are choosing the Liberal Democrats.

Because we are listening to them, and fighting for the fair deal they deserve.

Today the people of Somerton and Frome have sent a message loud and clear to this appalling Conservative Government.

Ringmaster Rishi is out of touch, out of ideas and out of excuses.

It’s time to end his shameful spectacle.

It’s time for a General Election to end this Conservative circus.

It’s time to get these clowns out of Number Ten.

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