Liberal Democrats Make History as They Become Third Largest Party and Secure Their Highest Number of Seats Ever

The Liberal Democrats have made history in the general election, overtaking the SNP to become the UK’s third-largest party for the first time since 2015.

Sir Ed Davey’s party unseated four Cabinet ministers to reach a total of 71 seats with 647 results announced.

This signifies a nine-seat increase from the party’s previous record set under the late Charles Kennedy’s leadership in 2005, and is over six times the number from 2019, when they secured 11 seats.

Sir Ed promised voters that his MPs “will now work hard to keep that trust by focusing on critical issues, especially the NHS and care.”

He expressed, “This is a historic night for the Liberal Democrats. We have emerged victorious in seats from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.”

“I am deeply grateful for the trust that millions of people across the country have placed in us.”

Earlier, he celebrated at an election party in central London, dancing and singing to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

After his speech, Sir Ed embraced supporters and shook their hands.

When asked by journalists about the influence his party can have on a Labour government with a sizeable majority, he confidently stated, “Yes, we have the best ideas and the most ambitious program.”

“The Conservatives have left the country in disarray, and it will take time to mend,” he added.

“It’s always satisfying to outdo the Conservatives,” he remarked.

The crowd continued clapping and cheering as he posed for photos.

Notable victories for the Lib Dems against the Tories include Cheltenham, where Max Wilkinson defeated Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan was defeated by Jess Brown-Fuller in Chichester, while Science Secretary Michelle Donelan lost to Brian Mathew in Melksham and Devizes.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer was also ousted by Lib Dem Charlotte Cane.

Other Liberal Democrat seats include Henley and Thame, Maidenhead, and Witney.

The Lib Dems garnered approximately 12.3 percent of the total vote to secure 71 seats.

The SNP, which won 48 seats in 2019 as the UK’s third-largest party, has now only secured eight seats.

Reform UK, with 14.3 percent of the vote, only managed to secure four seats, prompting party leader Nigel Farage, now the MP for Clacton, Essex, to express the significant appetite for electoral reform.

“I might even collaborate with the Lib Dems on that,” Mr. Farage mentioned.

Labour crossed the majority threshold of 326 just after 5 a.m., right after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat while retaining his own seat.

Mr. Sunak has led the Conservatives to a defeat that could result in their lowest number of seats in the party’s history.

PA Media contributed to this report.