It’s easy to ignore the Lib Dems, but they could soon hold the balance of power | Rafael Behr

The useful part

Ed Davey's strategy is meant to build a 'firewall' of MPs to prevent Reform UK entering government. The stakes are high if he gets it wrong No politician craves obscurity, but it is better to be unknown than despised. That is consolation for Liberal Democrats, gathered in Brighton for their annual conference, fretting about Ed Davey's low profile and wondering whether a more prominent leader would hoist their flagging poll ratings.

How it works

• Renewal by decapitation is a concept that has succeeded twice this parliament for other parties.
• In the fidgety culture of British politics, Davey's six-year reign feels like an aeon.

Details worth keeping

Labour's fortunes were transformed when Andy Burnham entered No 10. The experience of other parties has little to teach the Lib Dems.