Summary

  • Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has promised a “new and ambitious plan” for ending cancer delays and boosting survival rates

  • Speaking at his party's conference in Bournemouth, Davey accused PM Rishi Sunak of “failing to deliver”, with the NHS in "crisis"

  • Speaking personally about losing both his parents to cancer, Davey said "far too many people are still waiting far too long for treatment"

  • The party has proposed a new legal right to get cancer treatment within two months of an urgent referral in England

  • Davey was trying to fire up supporters as his party aims to unseat Tory MPs in the next election

  • The Lib Dems suffered disappointment in the 2019 election - but have since gained four seats in by-elections and are eyeing two more next month

  • Davey has rejected the idea of pre-election deals with Labour to defeat Tory MPs, but hasn't ruled out entering into a coalition government with them

Live Reporting

Edited by Jamie Whitehead and Alexandra Fouché

  1. Quiet confidence at conference

    Pete Saull
    Political correspondent, reporting from Bournemouth

    There's a quiet confidence about the Liberal Democrats here in Bournemouth.

    Their conference is rarely as intense a spectacle as the Labour and Conservative equivalents.

    At the traditional Liberal Democrat "Glee Club" party last night, the drinks and the songs were flowing, but it never threatened to get raucous.

    Running through the various debates and fringe events in the past few days though is a genuine belief that the party can take major strides forward at the general election.

    Sir Ed Davey's first job is to rally the troops ahead of what will be a gruelling campaign, whenever it comes.

    He seems popular among the grassroots. I'm told mugs with his face on have sold out on the Lib Dem merchandise stand.

  2. A big moment for the Lib Dems…

    Jamie Whitehead
    Live reporter

    Good afternoon and welcome.

    The leaves are beginning to turn, there’s a nip in the air… so it must be time for the political parties to make their way to Liverpool (for the Labour Party), Manchester (for the Conservatives) and Bournemouth (the Lib Dems) for their annual conferences.

    And this year’s season is an important one because the parties are very aware that, in all likelihood, there will be a general election by the end of next year (January 2025 is the very latest it could be held).

    First up are the Lib Dems. Their event is well under way in Bournemouth, and today all eyes will be on leader Sir Ed Davey as he addresses the party faithful.

    We’re expecting to hear from him at about 14:30, and you’ll be able to watch his speech at the top of this page.

    Our political editor Chris Mason is there, and I’m here in London with Marita Moloney, Alexandra Fouché and André Rhoden Paul to bring you all the updates and analysis.

    Stay with us.