A former Conservative activist has defected to the Liberal Democrats, citing a growing sense of exclusion among moderates, remainers, and environmentalists within the Tory party. The 21-year-old, who resigned from a prominent Conservative network earlier this year, now finds himself at the Lib Dems’ annual conference, describing the shift as unexpected. His move reflects broader concerns that the Conservative Party has moved further right, leaving centrists and pro-EU members searching for political refuge. The Liberal Democrats appear to be positioning themselves as a haven for those disillusioned by the current direction of the Tories.
Self-described moderates say Ed Davey’s party offers them a home as Conservatives shift further rightClimbing the party-branded stairs of the Brighton Centre with a Liberal Britain tote bag over his shoulder, Cody Butler looks quite at home at the Liberal Democrats’ annual jamboree.But asked how he is finding it, the 21-year-old replied: “Odd.” The former Tory activist resigned as chair of the One Nation Conservative Network and left his old party in July, arguing that centrists, remainers and members worried about the climate crisis and conservation were no longer welcome in the party. A week ago, he joined the Lib Dems. Continue reading...
