New Liberal Democrat President Josh Babarinde aims to be 'last line of defence against Reform'

• ITV News Meridian's Kit Bradshaw speaks to new Lib Dem president Josh Babarinde MP

The newly elected president of the Liberal Democrats, Josh Babarinde, says he will be "the last line of defence against Reform."

The Eastbourne MP told ITV News Meridian he will "campaign hard" to offer "solutions of hope and optimism that bring our communities together rather than tear them apart."

Mr Babarinde was elected by party members to the role, which involves chairing the Lib Dem federal board and setting their strategy.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey offered his "huge congratulations", adding that he had "no doubt Josh will be a tremendous president."

The Eastbourne MP said: "Historically the role of the president has been an internal role, making sure the party machinery is right, and that’s still a really important part.

"But the pitch that I have been elected on is that as Liberal Democrats we have to be an outward-facing party.  

"We’ve got to be a megaphone for our values. We’ve got to be bold, we’ve got to be loud."

Asked if he would one day like to be party leader, Mr Babarinde said: "That’s not where my head’s at. My job is to be the president of our party… working with members across the country."

Josh Babarinde will take over from Mark Pack as Lib Dem president on 1 January 2026.

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