Lib Dems 'really positive' on Yorkshire prospects

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has said he is "really positive" about his party's prospects in Yorkshire, as it builds on the success of Harrogate MP Tom Gordon.

Gordon, who was elected for Harrogate and Knaresborough in July 2024, is the party's only MP in the region and the first since the 2015 general election.

The Lib Dems have previously run councils in York and Sheffield, and control Hull City Council. Elections are planned in Sheffield and Hull in May 2026.

"Let's see what happens in the elections in places like Sheffield next May, I'm really positive about our chances," said Davey.

The Lib Dems, who won a record 72 seats in last year's general election, previously ran Sheffield City Council from 1999 to 2002 and from 2008 to 2010.

The authority has been under no overall control since 2021 and is currently run by a coalition between Labour, the Lib Dems and the Green Party.

Davey said voters had "lost trust" in the country's two biggest parties, Labour and the Conservatives, adding: "It's increasingly a battle between the Lib Dems and Reform for which party offers the best change."

He praised the work of Gordon since his election in North Yorkshire after he petitioned the government to allow people with disabilities to use their bus passes during peak travel times.

Although the amendment was voted down in Parliament, Davey said it "really resonates with people".

"The more we can show what Tom is doing to the rest of the people in Yorkshire, the more they will want a Liberal Democrat."

'Expand Send provision'

Davey also criticised comments from Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, who said Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) provision was being "hijacked by parents who are abusing the system".

There has been a 44% increase in pupils in England needing support for special educational needs since 2016, placing cash-strapped local authorities under even more financial pressure.

"Reform has frankly insulted many families with children with special needs, and indeed people with mental health problems," he said.

The government has said it will announce its plans for the future of Send provision in October.

"You need to put children and families at the heart of the reform," said Davey, whose son has a neurological condition and learning difficulties.

"You need to expand the provision."

Davey said too much money was being spent on legal fees for tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their children, as well as transporting children to privately run schools which were run for profit.

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