Overview

• Sir Ed Davey officially launched the Liberal Democrats' local election campaign in Oxfordshire, targeting traditionally Conservative areas.
• The Lib Dems aim to become the second-largest party in local government by overtaking the Conservatives in the May 1 elections.
• The campaign emphasizes practical local issues such as repairing potholes, improving healthcare access, and cleaning polluted rivers.
• Davey criticized the Conservatives for 'losing touch' with their values and dismissed Reform UK as a divisive force lacking community focus.
• Symbolic stunts, like Davey riding a hobby horse, underscore the party's effort to challenge Conservative dominance and appeal to Middle England voters.