For the Lib Dems, the good times never seemed so good

The Liberal Democrats were almost dead after the coalition and the tuition fees fiasco, writes Sean O'Grady. But after a spot of bungee jumping and aqua aerobics, look at them now

- Sean O'Grady

After an eventful election campaign, a raucous rendition of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline", surrounded by the party faithful, felt like a fitting finale for Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

His feet have barely touched the ground over the past few weeks - he has been giving interviews in teacups, riding rollercoasters, and zumba-dancing wherever his "Yellow Hammer" battle bus has taken him. It was a bold strategy, one he was initially mocked for, particularly when it emerged that he had fallen off a paddleboard five times in order for the photographer to get the perfect shot.

Now, though, it appears Davey has had the last laugh.

The Lib Dems are returning to parliament with 71 seats, 10 more than the exit poll forecast them to win, and 63 more than they had at the end of the last parliament. Not only this, but Davey has claimed a few remarkable Tory scalps; one of the biggest blows that his party inflicted on the Conservatives was in Cheltenham, where Max Wilkinson defeated Alex Chalk, the justice secretary.