Layla Moran calls for Lib Dems to embrace radical new policies – and hints at leadership ambitions The party’s rising star urges her party to support the end of selection in the state system

Liberal Democrat rising star Layla Moran has called for her party to embrace bold new radical policies to help it recover from the electoral doldrums – and said she would not rule out an eventual bid to become leader.

“We’re seen as a little bit elitist, a little bit linked to government. We have got this hangover from the coalition that we need to throw off” Layla Moran The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Ms Moran delivered a damning analysis of the Lib Dems’ political health, blaming their malaise on the after-effects of Coalition government and a shortage of distinctive policies.

The party gathers in Brighton for its annual conference still languishing in national opinion polls following its hammering in the last two general elections.

She told i her victory in the marginal seat of Oxford West and Abingdon last year came as a surprise – not least because was due to take up a post as a deputy head teacher.

Need to ‘communicate values’

Ms Moran, the Lib Dem education spokeswoman, will on Saturday urge the party’s conference to change policy to give an unambiguous pledge to end selection in the state system.

She argued that the move would clearly communicate the party’s values and added: “If there’s something the Liberal Democrats are missing right now it’s that.

“We’re seen as a little bit elitist, a little bit linked to government. We have got this hangover from the coalition that we need to throw off and I think it’s exactly these kinds of policies which will do that.”

Although she has only been an MP for 15 months Ms Moran is regularly tipped as a potential leader.

Leadership talk ‘distracting’

The suggestions have been fuelled by Sir Vince Cable’s recent announcement that he would step down once the Brexit process is over and when his planned reforms to the party structure have been approved.

Ms Moran, who is 36, described the speculation as “really distracting”.

Asked if she might ever stand for the top job she replied: “I am not going to rule it out, absolutely not, no. I’m young, but for now I’m not giving it much thought.”

Sir Vince has proposed opening the leadership to a wider range of candidates than just MPs and for his replacement to be elected by a new class of registered supporters.

Ms Moran backed his plan in principle but added a note of caution.

Worry over a celebrity leader

“Having someone parachute in who is a celebrity from the outside, who’s just joined the Lib Dems [become leader] …I do worry about that.”

In response to reports that a new centrist party could be set up, she said: “We are it, but that poses a challenge for us.

“The fact the question is being asked at all shows we haven’t achieved what we need to … which is to show people we are that party.

“And I accept that challenge, and I know Vince does too, and we all do.”