While much of the Liberal Democrat general election campaign looked like Total Wipeout, the party multiplied the number of MPs it has in the Commons, making them a major force in Parliament once again. 

It is possible that the Liberal Democrats’ electoral success, their leader’s personal story, and the policies they put forward in the manifesto could make them the most potent thorn in the side of Wes Streeting, the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the next Parliament. 

A personal story 

Commentators have taken note of a very personal video by Ed Davey covering his current role as a carer for his son, and his previous role as a carer for his parents.  

This personal story has wide appeal, the Office for National Statistics and Carers UK estimate 5.7 million or 10.6 million people in the UK provide unpaid care respectively. In fact, it is so appealing, that a Telegraph profile headlined him ‘the part-time carer’ who could lead the Liberal Democrats out of the cold. Thinking about how Davey has previously been described through the lens of being a former coalition minister, or by focusing on allegations about his proximity to the postmasters scandal, this marks a far more positive image and one that gives the leader an authenticity on health and social care. 

Policy popularity 

This personal story is backed up by policy popularity. According to YouGov, three Liberal Democrat manifesto policies on health were supported by more voters than any policy by any of the five UK-wide parties.  

Anecdotally, healthcare professionals I have spoken to – even those who are not normally political engaged – noticed the emphasis on health in Liberal Democrat messaging, to the extent that they rated it above Labour’s. 

A bigger platform in Parliament 

The Liberal Democrats’ campaign objective is to reclaim the mantle of third largest party in Westminster from the SNP, giving them all sorts of benefits, from a guaranteed question at Prime Ministers’ Questions, to additional short money.  

As a result of their electoral success and the bigger platform they will get (including guaranteed a question from their leader at PMQs and more resources through short money) Liberal Democrat attacks on the government are more likely to be covered and picked-up in this next Parliament. Without the same burden of responsibility for the state of the NHS as the outgoing Conservatives, it could be that the Liberal Democrats are better equipped to hold Labour’s feet to the fire on health and social care, even if the Tories remain the official opposition. 

Conclusion 

Continuing the Liberal Democrats’ success on health and social care in this new position may be present some challenges. For example, their policies on health are popular, but they will get additional scrutiny for how expensive or deliverable they are now the party is the third largest. However well they do in opposition, maintaining some focus on health will be key to keeping their new voters onside when the next election rolls around in five years’ time. 

For more information on what the election results mean for the NHS and public health, please register join our expert panel discussion at 6pm on Wednesday 17 July in central London.