The UK coalition the Lib Dems don’t want to talk about

Brighton, England — The Liberal Democrats want to defeat Nigel Farage, but they don't want to discuss working with Labour to do it. At their annual conference on the English coast, the third-largest party in Westminster has made opposing Reform UK central to its agenda. However, neither Labour nor Farage's party currently have a clear path to a majority in the upcoming general election, scheduled for August 2029.

This suggests that both could be seeking a coalition partner. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, who will address the party on Tuesday, believes a hung parliament is likely and warned of the dangers of a right-wing pact between Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. He has stated that an "orange wall" of Lib Dem MPs would prevent such a coalition.

Lib Dems are cautious about coalition deals due to the fallout from their last one in 2015, which saw the party lose 57 seats to just eight. Some MPs argue that the party needs three clear policies that would serve as red lines in any negotiations. Others suggest a confidence and supply arrangement, where the Lib Dems would support the government on budgets and votes of confidence but remain outside government.

Despite these discussions, the party is wary of being seen to prepare for a potential Labour tie-up, especially with many of their voters formerly being Conservatives.