Sir Ed Davey Visits Key Ealing Battleground Ward
Liberal Democrats step up activity ahead of May elections
Ed Davey (left) with Cllr Gary Malcolm (right)
March 2, 2026
Sir Ed Davey MP, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Leader, visited campaigners in Ealing this Saturday (28 February) as the party prepares for the upcoming local elections.
His visit focused on Walpole ward, where he met residents and discussed concerns ranging from street cleanliness to housing repairs and proposed changes to children’s centres.
Residents raised issues the local party said they felt had not been addressed by the current council administration, including crime, environmental standards and local services. Sir Ed also spoke about the role of the Liberal Democrat group on Ealing Council, which serves as the Official Opposition, and highlighted recent council decisions that the group says it has helped to influence, including the reversal of plans to dim streetlights.
During the visit, Sir Ed said that many of the residents he met expressed frustration with both major national parties. He emphasised the importance of local representation and voiced support for the Liberal Democrat candidates standing in Walpole ward.
Ealing Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Gary Malcolm said the visit reflected growing confidence within the party as it looks to make gains in May. He said the group is campaigning on issues such as improving street cleanliness, community safety and support for local businesses.
Sir Ed Davey (second from left front row) with local party members
Walpole ward will be one of the closely watched contests in the local elections. Historically, the ward has switched between Labour and the Conservatives, who were a clear second last time out. However, the presence of the party leader is a strong indication that the Lib Dems see the ward as a key target.
The Liberal Democrats are fielding Matt Mellor, William Francis and Ksenia Maximova, who are campaigning on local service improvements and stronger neighbourhood representation.
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