The Liberal Democrats have attributed their historic success in the 2024 general election to tactical voting by British voters, concluding that formal alliances with other progressive parties are unnecessary. An internal report, led by former party leader Tim Farron, analyzed the party’s best election performance in over a century, which saw their representation rise from 15 to 72 MPs.
This outcome marks a significant turnaround from the 2019 election, which was described as “a high-speed car crash” after lofty expectations resulted in only 11 seats. The report emphasized that the Lib Dems’ refusal to engage in pre-election pacts was justified, as many victories came from voters switching allegiances to unseat Conservative MPs. “We believe the 2024 election, which saw a high level of tactical voting, demonstrates that the party is right to not pursue this strategy,” the report stated. Farron supported the conclusion, calling pre-election alliances “an insult to the electorate.” He added, “We don’t have any right to offer our voters to another party, and vice versa. This election proved us right.”
The report highlighted that tactical voting played a decisive role, as voters prioritized removing sitting Conservative MPs over party loyalty. While the party’s seat count surged, its overall vote share saw little increase, and the number of second-place finishes remained low, presenting challenges for future growth.
The campaign also benefited from the high-profile antics of party leader Ed Davey, whose stunts—such as a bungee jump and a waterslide appearance—helped raise the party’s visibility. Before the election, “only a small fraction of the population could pick Ed out of a lineup,” the report noted. These tactics proved effective, with 90% of surveyed members and activists agreeing that they boosted the party’s profile. While unconventional, the approach allowed the Lib Dems to stand out in a crowded political landscape.
Despite the celebratory tone, the report identified key challenges the party must address to maintain momentum. These include a reliance on a small core team for campaign strategy and the difficulty of appealing to voters in constituencies where Labour is the main opposition. Converting this year’s victories into long-term success will require strategic planning and a strong grassroots presence.
Farron stressed the importance of grassroots engagement, or “pavement politics,” to build trust and relationships within communities. “Politics is something you do all year round, not just at election time,” he said. “It’s about immersing yourself in your community and serving it all year round on the little issues, on the big issues.” He argued that this approach is essential to countering voter disillusionment and the appeal of populist movements like Reform UK.
The report presents a clear roadmap for the Lib Dems as they look to consolidate their gains and expand their influence. By focusing on grassroots engagement and maintaining their independence from formal alliances, the party aims to position itself as a vital force in British politics. The 2024 success serves as a testament to the power of tactical voting and the party’s ability to adapt to an evolving political landscape. With challenges acknowledged and lessons learned, the Lib Dems are poised to build on this historic performance and shape their future role in UK politics.
