Ed Davey retains Liberal Democrat leadership as challenge collapses after marathon meeting

Sir Ed Davey is staying as leader of the Liberal Democrats - (Getty)

Sir Ed Davey has survived a potential challenge to his leadership of the Liberal Democrats after an expected effort to remove him failed to occur on Tuesday evening.

Lib Dem MP Charlie Maynard stepped down from his frontbench post last week, with reports indicating his resignation was designed to spark a vote of confidence in Sir Ed’s leadership.