Jump to content

Ed Davey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Edward Davey" redirects here. For the architect and politician in St. John's, Newfoundland, see Edward Henry Davey.

The Right Honourable
Sir Ed Davey
MP FRSA
Official portrait, 2024
Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 August 2020
Acting: 13 December 2019 – 27 August 2020[a]
DeputyDaisy Cooper
President
Preceded byJo Swinson
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats
In office
3 September 2019 – 27 August 2020
Leader
Preceded byJo Swinson
Succeeded byDaisy Cooper
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
In office
3 February 2012 – 8 May 2015
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byChris Huhne
Succeeded byAmber Rudd
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs
In office
20 May 2010 – 3 February 2012
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byThe Lord Young of Norwood Green
Succeeded byNorman Lamb
Member of Parliament
for Kingston and Surbiton
Incumbent
Assumed office
8 June 2017
Preceded byJames Berry
Majority17,235 (34.1%)
In office
1 May 1997 – 30 March 2015
Preceded byConstituency established
Succeeded byJames Berry
Liberal Democrat portfolios
2005–2006Education and Skills
2006–2007Trade and Industry
2007–2010Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
2017–2019Home Affairs
2019Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
2019–2020Treasury
Personal details
Born
Edward Jonathan Davey

(1965-12-25) 25 December 1965 (age 58)
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England
Political partyLiberal Democrats
Spouse
Emily Gasson
​
(m. 2005)​
Children2[1]
Education
Signature
Websitewww.eddavey.org Edit this at Wikidata

Sir Edward Jonathan Davey FRSA (born 25 December 1965) is a British politician who has been the leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2020, having acted in the position from 2019 to 2020.[a] He served in the Cameron–Clegg coalition as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015 and as deputy leader to Jo Swinson in 2019. An "Orange Book" liberal who has often advocated for carers, Davey has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Kingston and Surbiton since 2017, previously holding the seat from 1997 to 2015.[2][3]

Davey was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. After both his parents died before he was 16, Davey was raised by his grandparents, and subsequently attended Nottingham High School. He then went on to study at Jesus College, Oxford, and Birkbeck, University of London. He was an economics researcher and financial analyst before being elected to the House of Commons. Davey served as a Liberal Democrat spokesperson to Charles Kennedy, Menzies Campbell and Nick Clegg from 2005 to 2010, in various portfolios including education and skills, trade and industry, and foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

In 2010, after the Liberal Democrats entered into a coalition government with the Conservative Party, Davey served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs from 2010 to 2012,[4] and in David Cameron's Cabinet as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015, following Chris Huhne's resignation.[5] Davey focused on increasing competition in the energy market by removing barriers to entry for smaller companies, and streamlining the customer switching process.[6] He also approved the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.[7] As postal affairs minister, Davey did not investigate the details of the Post Office Horizon scandal that had led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters, but was the only Post Office minister to meet Alan Bates, the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance.

Davey lost his seat in the 2015 general election and was knighted in the 2016 New Year Honours for political and public service. He regained his seat in the 2017 general election, and served as the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson from 2017 to 2019. After the retirement of Vince Cable, Davey unsuccessfully ran against Jo Swinson in the 2019 Liberal Democrats leadership election, and was later appointed Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson and elected unopposed as the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats. After Swinson lost her seat at the 2019 general election, Davey, while remaining deputy leader, served as acting leader alongside Liberal Democrat presidents Baroness Brinton and Mark Pack from December 2019 to August 2020.[8][9]

Davey stood in the 2020 Liberal Democrats leadership election, in which he defeated Layla Moran with 63.5% of the vote. In his leadership bid he said he would prioritise defeating the Conservatives and ruled out working with them following the 2024 general election. Under Davey's leadership, the Liberal Democrats have made gains in local elections alongside Labour, with both parties making gains in the 2024 local elections, where the Liberal Democrats finished second for the first time in a local election cycle since 2009. In the 2024 general election Davey led his party to both their highest ever number of seats and the highest number of seats for a third party since 1923, and was noted, with praise and criticism, for his campaign stunts.

Early life and career

[edit]
This article is part of
a series about
Ed Davey
Leader of the Liberal Democrats
(2020–present)
Elections

Edward Davey was born on 25 December 1965 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.[10][11] His father John (1932–March 1970), a solicitor, died when Davey was four years old in Mansfield General Hospital, three months after being diagnosed with cancer.[12][13] His mother, Nina Davey (née Stanbrook), died 11 years later, after which he was brought up by his maternal grandparents in the village of Eakring.[14] Davey acted as a carer for his terminally ill mother before her death, and also cared for his grandmother.[15]

Davey was in both the 90th Nottingham Scout group[16] and the 17th Nottingham Air Scout group.[17] He sang in the local church choir, St John's.[18] Like his two brothers, Davey received the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, meeting Prince Philip on 2 March 1984 when the Prince visited his school, the private Nottingham High School, where Davey was head boy.[19] He took A-levels in German, French and History.[20] One of his two brothers attended Trent Polytechnic, becoming a solicitor.[21] After leaving school, Davey attended Jesus College, Oxford,[22] where he was awarded a first class BA degree in Philosophy, politics and economics in 1988.[14] He was JCR President.[14]

In 1989, he became an economics researcher for the Liberal Democrats,[22] principally to Alan Beith,[14] the party's then-Treasury spokesman, whilst studying at Birkbeck College, London,[22] for a master's degree (MSc) in economics.[14] He was closely involved in the development of Liberal Democrat policies such as an additional penny on income tax to fund education, and central bank independence, for the 1992 general election.[23] From 1993 to 1997, he worked in business forecasting and market analysis for management consultancy firm Omega Partners.[24]

Parliamentary career (1997–2015)

[edit]

Davey was elected to the House of Commons, at his first attempt, in the 1997 general election, where he defeated Richard Tracey, the sitting Conservative MP for the former constituency of Surbiton, with a majority of just 56 votes, and remained the seat's MP for 18 years.[25] In his maiden speech, on 6 June 1997, he gave his support for the setting up of the London Assembly, but was against the idea of a directly elected Mayor of London; he also spoke of the effects governmental cuts were having on education delivery in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.[26]

In 1998, he was the primary sponsor of an early day motion supporting the repeal of the Greenwich judgment, which prevents local authorities from giving their own residents priority access to school places.[27]

In 2001, he opposed government proposals for restrictions on gambling machines, which he described as a "silly bit of nanny state politics".[28][29][30]

In January 2003, Davey publicly backed local constituent and NHS whistleblower Ian Perkin, who alleged he had been sacked from his director of finance role for exposing statistics manipulation at St George's NHS healthcare trust.[31][32] Davey condemned the NHS bureaucracy as "Stalinist" and called for an inquiry into Perkin's case,[33][34] while personally meeting trust executives to discuss the case on behalf of Perkin.[35]

In February 2003, Davey introduced the clause which repealed the prohibition of "promotion of homosexuality" under Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.[36] The legislation was repealed in March.[37] He was one of the contributors to The Orange Book (2004).[25]

In 2006, Davey was one of eight Liberal Democrat MPs, including Jeremy Browne and Mark Oaten, who opposed a total ban on smoking in clubs and pubs.[38] He called the ban "a bit too nanny state".[39][40]

In an article for the Financial Times in 2007, Davey and LSE economist Tim Leunig proposed a new system of community land auctions through sealed bids with a new tax, to take place before the land was given planning permission. They suggested that councils could take in tax the difference between the land owner's asking price and the highest bidder's offer, claiming this would stimulate development and the revenue then used to lower other taxation.[41][42]

Lib Dem spokesperson

[edit]
Davey in 2008

Following Davey's election to parliament in 1997, he was appointed as the Lib Dem's spokesman on Treasury Affairs. He added the post of whip in 1998, and as the spokesman on London from 2000.

Davey was re-elected in the 2001 general election, increasing his share of the vote from 36.7% to 60.2%. He increased his majority from just 56 to 15,676, beating former Conservative MP David Shaw. He joined the Liberal Democrat frontbench under Leader Charles Kennedy in the same year when he was appointed the party's spokesperson for Treasury matters. In 2002, he became the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. He was appointed spokesperson for Education and Skills in 2005, before becoming spokesperson for Trade and Industry in March 2006. In December 2006, he succeeded Norman Lamb as Chief of Staff to Menzies Campbell, the new party leader.[25] Davey was chair of the party's Campaigns and Communications Committee. Following Nick Clegg's election as Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Davey was awarded the Foreign Affairs brief, and continued to retain his chairmanship of the party's Campaigns and Communications Committee.[14]

On 26 February 2008, Davey was suspended from parliament for the day for ignoring a warning from the Deputy Speaker. He was protesting about the exclusion by the Speaker of a Liberal Democrat motion to debate and vote on whether the UK should have a referendum on staying in the EU.[43]

At the 2009 Liberal Democrat conference, Davey caused controversy by calling for dialogue with the Taliban, through declaring that it was "time for tea with the Taliban",[44] a comment echoed by Malala Yousafzai four years later to the BBC.[45]

Ministerial career (2010–2015)

[edit]

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business (2010–2012)

[edit]
Davey's portrait as Minister for Employment Relations, circa 2012

Following the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition agreement, after the 2010 general election, Davey was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills[46][47] with responsibility for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs.[48][49] In addition, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Trade Policy.[50][51][52] As a Parliamentary Under Secretary, Davey led the establishment of an unofficial 'like-minded group for growth' ginger group within the European Union, convening several economically liberal European governments behind an agenda of deregulation, free trade, liberalisation of services and a digital single market.[53][54][55][56][57] He was involved in the provisional application phase of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea.[58][59][60]

In January 2011, he faced protests by postal workers in his Kingston and Surbiton constituency for his role in the privatisation of Royal Mail.[61] Also in 2011, Davey announced several reforms to the labour market, mainly aimed at improving labour market flexibility. These reforms included cuts to red tape and easing dismissal laws, and were accompanied by reviews from the Institute of Economic Affairs into compensation payments and the TUPE. Davey also announced that the government would abolish the default retirement age.[62][63][64][65]

As Minister for Postal Affairs, Davey did not investigate the details of the Horizon Post Office scandal that had led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters. He was, however, the only Post Office minister to meet Alan Bates, the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, with this meeting taking place in October 2010.[66][67][68] Following criticism in 2024, Davey expressed regret and said that he had been misled by Post Office officials.[69][70] Following Paula Vennells's decision to hand back her CBE over her role during the scandal, Davey came under pressure to return his knighthood because of his role during it.[71] However, Davey said he was "completely surprised" as to why the Conservatives had awarded Vennells a CBE in 2019.[66]

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (2012–2015)

[edit]
Davey as Energy Secretary (right) with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe, 2014
Davey at Chatham House, 2012

On 3 February 2012, following the resignation of Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne after his conviction of perverting the course of justice in relation to speeding offences, Davey was appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and was appointed to the Privy Council on 8 February.[72] As Secretary of State, Davey also became a member of the National Security Council. In late 2012, the Daily Mail published an article questioning Davey's loyalty to Clegg. Responding in an interview, Davey rejected the claims of the article, saying instead he thought Clegg was "the best leader" the Liberal Democrats had ever had and that he personally was a member of Clegg's "Praetorian Guard".[73]

In 2013, Davey set up the Green Growth Group, bringing together environmental and climate ministers from across the European Union in an effort to promote growth, investment in renewable and nuclear energy, liberalisation of the European energy market, a global carbon market, trade in energy, carbon capture technology, energy efficiency, and competition.[56][74][75][76][77][78] Domestically, Davey focused on increasing competition in the energy market by removing barriers to entry for smaller companies, and streamlining the customer switching process, declaring in 2013 that "competition works".[79][80] Abroad, Davey promoted investment in the British energy sector by foreign companies from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China, making significant diplomatic trips to the latter two countries in order to highlight investment opportunities.[81][82][83][84]

In October 2013, during a BBC Newsnight segment on energy bills, Davey was asked by BBC presenter Jeremy Paxman whether or not he wore a jumper (to stay warm) at home, to which Davey replied that he did but stressed that competition and energy efficiency were the solutions to lowering energy bills. The following day, various media outlets reported that Davey had advised for people to wear jumpers at home to save on energy bills, although he had not. The controversy then spread when Prime Minister David Cameron's official spokesman told a reporter that people may wish to "consider" advice by charities to wrap up warmly, leading to media outlets reporting that Number 10 was also suggesting wearing jumpers to cut energy bills, with the supposed suggestion being seized upon by the opposition Labour Party. Number 10 later issued a statement rebutting the media reports.[85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92] In April 2014, Davey called for the G7 to begin reduction of dependency on Russian energy following the Revolution of Dignity and commencement of the Russo-Ukrainian War.[93] Davey argued the benefits of investment in onshore wind energy from companies such as Siemens was a key part of the push to reduce dependence on Russian energy,[94] while "more diversified supplies of gas" including from the US and domestic shale gas would also help.[95] In May 2014 at a meeting in Rome, G7 energy ministers including Davey agreed formally to a process for reducing dependency on Russian energy; "Putin has crossed a line", Davey declared.[96]

Throughout and after the coalition, Davey's ministerial career came under scrutiny from political figures and the media. On the right, Conservatives Nigel Lawson and Peter Lilley were critical of Davey's environmental stances,[97][98] and he was lampooned by The Telegraph sketch writer Michael Deacon.[99] He was also criticised by left-wing figures such as Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas over his support of fracking,[100] and by the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband for Davey's warning that Labour's price control policy would cause blackouts.[101] Luxembourgish MEP and environmentalist Claude Turmes alleged in his 2017 book Energy Transformation that Davey's Green Growth Group was actually a front for British nuclear interests.[75] Conversely, Davey's promotion to the role of Energy Secretary was hailed by The Economist, which viewed him favourably as a "pragmatic" and "free market liberal".[102] In "The Liberal Democrats and supply-side economics", published in an issue of the Institute of Economic Affairs' Economic Affairs journal, Davey was identified as the Liberal Democrat who had achieved the most in terms of supply-side reforms.[103] Conservative MP and former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister of State for Government Policy Oliver Letwin credited Davey and his "like-minded" group of economically liberal governments as having helped to curb regulatory enthusiasm within the European Union.[57]

Leading up to the 2015 general election, Davey was viewed by various sources as a potential successor to Clegg.[104][105][106][107] Political commentator Gary Gibbon speculated that due to Davey's association with the Orange Book wing of the party, the tenuousness of Danny Alexander's parliamentary seat, and David Laws' unwillingness, the role of "heir" would naturally fall to Davey.[108][109]

Parliamentary career (2017–present)

[edit]

2015 general election

[edit]

At the 2015 general election, Davey was defeated by Conservative candidate James Berry by 2,834 votes after the Liberal Democrat vote fell by more than 15 per cent in Kingston and Surbiton. This made him the first cabinet minister to lose their seat since Michael Portillo in 1997.[110]

Davey later told reporters he was "obviously disappointed" with his defeat, but said it had not been a total shock. "We knew it would be close – we had it written on our leaflets. But I don't think the voters did", he said. "When I was out canvassing today I had a man said to me: 'You'll be fine, Ed'. I wish I had a vote for all the people who told me I would be fine. The party is clearly paying some price for going into coalition with the Conservatives. We put the national interest above the party interest which was the right thing to do at the time. I have no regrets on that. I think we are seeing a national thing here. We have had a very bad night nationally."[111]

At the end of 2015, he accepted a knighthood for 'political and public service' which was announced in the 2016 New Year Honours list.[112]

Return to Parliament

[edit]
MP portrait, 2017

Davey regained Kingston and Surbiton for the Liberal Democrats at the 2017 general election, with a majority of 4,124 votes over Berry.[113] Upon his return to Parliament, Davey was considered a possible candidate for the Liberal Democrat leadership election following the resignation of Tim Farron. However, he ruled out standing over family concerns, but called on the Liberal Democrats to be "the party of reform" and "super-ambitious – just like radical centrists in Canada, France and the Netherlands".[114] Davey was then the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, having previously served as Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson from 2017 to 2019.[115]

Leader of the Liberal Democrats (2019–present)

[edit]

2019 leadership bid

[edit]

Following the 2019 European Parliament election, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable announced his intention "to hand over a bigger, stronger party" to a new leader, triggering a party leadership contest.[116] Davey announced his candidacy for the role on 30 May, stating his belief that action must be taken in Parliament to prevent a "no deal" Brexit, and highlighting his support for stronger action to limit global warming.[117][118] Davey lost this race to Jo Swinson, with 36.9% of the vote to Swinson's 63.1%.[119] On 3 September 2019, Davey was elected as Swinson's deputy leader.[120][121]

2019 general election and acting co-leadership

[edit]

Following Jo Swinson's resignation as a result of losing her seat in the 2019 general election, Davey became interim co-leader alongside the party president (at first Baroness Brinton, and then Mark Pack).

2020 leadership bid

[edit]
Main article: 2020 Liberal Democrats leadership election
Davey's leadership bid logo

In June 2020, whilst acting leader, Davey launched his bid to become leader saying that his "experience as a carer can help rebuild Britain after the COVID-19 pandemic".[122] He proposed the establishment of a basic income to support carers, and said that the Liberal Democrats should be "the party of social care".[57][123][124] Davey ruled out a formal electoral agreement with the Labour Party, but said that he would prioritise defeating the Conservatives, and ruled out working with the Conservatives following the next election.[57][125] He proposed a plan to reduce carbon emissions from domestic flights to zero by 2030 through investment in research and technology.[126] In a hustings event with Welsh members, he said that the 2021 Senedd election was a priority and he expected success for the Liberal Democrats.[75]

MP portrait, 2020

Davey was one of two candidates running for leader in the Liberal Democrats leadership election, competing with Layla Moran. One recurring theme of the leadership campaign was Davey's record in the Cameron-Clegg coalition government, and the policies that government had enacted. Moran is considered to be more left-wing than Davey and representing a break from the coalition years.[127][128] Alongside Clegg and many of the Liberal Democrats who served in the governing Conservative-Lib Dem coalition of 2010–2015, Davey is associated with the party's right-wing Orange Booker branch. The record of the coalition, which caused a decline in popularity of the Liberal Democrats after 2015, has been defended by Davey.[129]

On 27 August, Davey won the leadership election with 42,756 votes, which translated to 63.5% of total votes. In his victory speech, Davey said that the Liberal Democrats must "wake up and smell the coffee" and "start listening" to ordinary people and those who "don't believe we share their values". He also stressed his experience in the coalition government, and his commitments to tackle climate change. Moran later congratulated Davey on Twitter, saying "I look forward to working with him to campaign for a better future for Britain."[130][131]

Under Davey's leadership, the Liberal Democrats have made gains in local elections alongside Labour, with both parties making gains in the 2023 local elections and made further gains in the 2024 local elections, where the Liberal Democrats finished second for the first time in a local election cycle since 2009.[132]

2024 general election campaign stunts and seat victories

[edit]
Main article: 2024 United Kingdom general election

This general election is a chance to kick Rishi Sunak’s appalling Conservative government out of office and deliver the change the public is crying out for. For years the Conservative Party has taken voters for granted and lurched from crisis to crisis while the problems facing the country are getting so much worse. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats at this election is a vote for a strong local champion who will stand up for your community and health services. It’s clear that in many seats across the country, the best way to beat the Conservatives is to vote for the Liberal Democrats.

— Ed Davey after the general election was called, May 2024
Davey speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, 24 July 2024

Davey led his party in the 2024 general election, and was noted, with praise and criticism, for his campaign stunts.[133] When visiting Windermere, Davey fell off his paddleboard, whilst campaigning to highlight the political issue of sewage discharge in the United Kingdom.[134] A couple of days later, Davey won high-profile media attention when going down a Slip 'N Slide, whilst drawing attention to deteriorating mental health among children. When visiting Eastbourne, Davey did a bungee jump, asking people to "take the plunge" and vote Liberal Democrat.[135] When asked about these stunts, Davey said: "Politicians need to take the concerns and interests of voters seriously but I'm not sure they need to take themselves seriously all the time and I'm quite happy to have some fun".[136]

On 10 June 2024, Davey launched the Liberal Democrat manifesto, titled For a Fair Deal, in London.[137] He stressed that the Lib Dems are a "pro-European party"; the manifesto includes a promise for the UK to rejoin the European single market.[138] Midway through the campaign, opinion pollsters YouGov found that 35% of Liberal Democrat voters did not recognise a photograph of Davey.[139] Amid the general election betting scandal, Davey, whilst admitting that he had previously bet on the outcome of elections, called for a review of gambling laws.[140]

Davey led his party to both their highest ever number of seats and the highest number of seats for a third party since 1923, restoring the Liberal Democrats as the third largest party in the House of Commons.[141] He celebrated by singing Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" at a Liberal Democrat party.[142] This also makes Davey able to ask two questions to the prime minister each week at Prime Minister's Questions, the first Liberal Democrat leader to do so since Nick Clegg in 2010. Davey said he was humbled by the results, and jokingly said: "I've rather enjoyed this campaign".[143] He retained Kingston and Surbiton for the Liberal Democrats at the election, with an increased majority.

Responding to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves' first budget in October 2024, Davey described the government’s plans on social care as “a good start” but inadequate. He also said that he thought that the budget may not offer British people "a sense of hope, urgency and the promise of a fair deal" and that more could have been done to help the more vulnerable people in society.[144][145]

Political positions

[edit]
Davey addressing the 2017 Liberal Democrat Conference

Davey identifies as a liberal politically, telling the Total Politics magazine: "I personally think liberalism is the strongest political philosophy in the modern world. Socialism has failed. I think even social democracy, the watered down version which Labour sort of understand depending on which day of the week it is, is not very convincing, and I don't really understand where the Conservatives are coming from because they have so many philosophies within one party. There's no philosophy of the modern Conservative Party."[146] He has said that he believes "in the free market and in competition",[147] and during a parliamentary public bill committee debate in November 2010 argued in defence of privatisation, deregulation, and the private sector against Labour MP Gregg McClymont.[148]

Davey describes himself as "an economist by trade."[149] He was a supporter of the coalition government, writing in a 2011 column for London newspaper Get West London that the coalition would "restore liberty to the people" and that "Labour's nanny state will be cut back" in reference to the coalition's policies on civil liberties.[150] In 2012, Davey predicted the coalition government would be more pro-European Union than Tony Blair's Labour government, praising Conservative ministers and the then Prime Minister David Cameron for relations they had developed with European counterparts.[151] Retrospectively, Davey said of the coalition in 2017: "I think the coalition government, when history looks at it, will go down as actually a pretty good government."[152]

Davey in 2010

In 2017, Davey warned against a Conservative Party proposal for fines on large internet companies who fail to remove extremist and terrorist material from their platforms within 24 hours, which he claimed could lead to censorship if companies are forced to rush to remove such material and pointed to Germany as an example of where this approach has the potential to lead to censorship.[153] He thinks technology giants must not be treated as the "enemy" and accused the Conservatives of declaring an "all-out war" on the internet.[153] Similarly he is critical of Conservative proposals to weaken encryption because, according to Davey, encryption is important for individual security and helping businesses to thrive.[154]

In 2018, after the government's Investigatory Powers Act mass surveillance law was declared to be in breach of EU law, Davey commented that UK surveillance needed a "major overhaul" which puts "our freedoms and civil liberties at its very core" Davey's party opposes the mass surveillance law and had voted against it.[155][156]

Davey is supportive of market solutions in the conventional energy sector, The Guardian describing him as a 'zealot' for markets. He has been highly critical of price controls such as those proposed by former Labour leader Ed Miliband; he considers them to be detrimental to competition and lowering prices for consumers.[157][158] He has promoted removal of barriers to entry to encourage new entrants into the energy market; "We began with deregulation. This stimulated a doubling of smaller firms" he wrote of his policy as Energy Secretary in 2014.[79][159] Additionally, he welcomed the rise of consumer switching websites.[79] He has, however, supported "properly designed and carefully targeted" short-term subsidies for some emerging green energy technologies in order to meet climate change targets.[160]

When cutting green energy subsidies as Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Davey said he "tended to try and marketise the reduction so people were competing for any remaining subsidies" through Contracts for difference (CfDs).[161] After leaving the office of Energy Secretary in 2015 he explained that he had planned to "eliminate subsidies over the coming years"[162] and had previously stated, "ultimately I don't want the government—the Secretary of State—to decide what that low carbon mix is . . . I want the markets and technology development and innovation to decide what that mix is."[158]

He has argued in favour of both nuclear power and fracking as potential energy sources,[163][164] and natural gases as transitional fuels,[165] though he has warned that there should not be an over-reliance on them.[166][167]

Davey at the People's Vote Rally 2019

Davey has previously argued against nuclear power but in 2013 he urged fellow Liberal Democrat members to support nuclear power, stating, "I've changed my mind because of climate change."[168]

Davey does not support the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union in the short term, in 2020 stating that the idea that people would want to consider re-joining the EU in two or three years' time as "being for the birds".[169][170] In January 2021 he clarified this position, stating that he is "determined the Liberal Democrats remain a pro-European party committed to the UK being members of the European Union again", adding that his party is "practical" about the matter.[171] Davey opposes a second Scottish independence referendum arguing in 2022, that it would be "damaging to recovery."[172]

Following the murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021, Davey said that "Men have got to change" and suggested that we "educate boys and men to show more respect".[173] In May 2021, alongside celebrities and other public figures, Davey was a signatory to an open letter from Stylist magazine which called on the government to address what it described as an "epidemic of male violence" by funding an "ongoing, high-profile, expert-informed awareness campaign on men's violence against women and girls".[174]

A supporter of transgender rights, Davey believes that transgender women should be given the same rights as cisgender women, which he made clear in a series of interviews on the day that a report into violence against women, commissioned in the wake of the Everard's murder, was published.[175][176][177]

Davey criticised Boris Johnson after the 2021 North Shropshire by-election where a Lib Dem candidate, Helen Morgan overturned a Conservative majority of nearly 23,000 to win the seat. Davey said it was a "watershed moment in our politics. Millions of people are fed up with Boris Johnson and his failure to provide leadership throughout the pandemic and last night the voters of North Shropshire spoke for all of them."[178]

In October 2024, Davey said he was “very minded” to vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, saying the UK should “do much better” on palliative care.[179]

Foreign affairs

[edit]

Since the 2000s, Davey has been vocal on the issue of detention without trial, in particular Guantanamo and Bagram, which he believed required transparency and formal investigation of torture allegations.[180][181][182] He has opposed indefinite detention for illegal immigrants.[183]

Davey has been in support of trade to import natural gas from countries including the United States and Qatar,[184][185] and importation of green energy via new interconnectors from Norway and Ireland.[186][187][188] Davey describes himself as a "strong free-trader", rejecting reciprocity in trade tariffs as "the classic protectionist argument". He believes Britain should be open to foreign investment, except for investment tainted by "smells that you have from Putin."[158] He dismisses worries over foreign ownership and investment in the British economy such as that of French and Chinese companies' involvement in the British energy market.[189][158]

In November 2023, Davey expressed support for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following the Israel–Hamas war, saying that "it is increasingly clear that a military solution to eliminate Hamas is not possible. With a devastating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, an ongoing hostage situation, and growing risk of regional escalation, we must urgently demand a different approach."[190]

Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Davey said "Political violence is wrong... We must all condemn this appalling attempt on Donald Trump's life."[191] However, after Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Davey said it was a “dark, dark day for people around the globe”, branded Trump a "dangerous, destructive demagogue", and said that Trump "actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security."[192]

Other ventures

[edit]

Business appointments

[edit]

Davey took up several business appointments after leaving his role as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in May 2015.

Mongoose Energy appointed Davey as chairman in September 2015.[193][194]

Davey set up an independent consultancy in September 2015 to provide advice on energy and climate change.[193]

In January 2016 Davey was appointed as a part-time consultant to MHP Communications, the public relations and lobbying firm representing EDF Energy.[193] Davey was criticised by press commentators for the potential conflict of interest between his previous role as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and his role at MHP. As Secretary of State Davey awarded EDF the contract to build a new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset.[195][196]

Davey's appointment as Global Partner and non-Executive director of private equity investor Nord Engine Capital was announced in February 2016.[193][197]

In July 2016 he became non-paid patron of the Sustainable Futures Foundation, a charity promoting environmental sustainability for the public benefit.[193]

Until February 2021, Davey was on the advisory boards of the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and of the fund manager NextEnergy Capital, which manages the listed company NextEnergy Solar Fund; he resigned both roles in the wake of the parliamentary second jobs controversy.[198]

Davey is the Chair of the All-Party Britain-Republic of Korea Parliamentary Group (APPG).[199] He is also the Chair of the APPG on Charity Retail, the Vice Chair of the APPG for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and the Vice Chair of the APPG on Land Value Capture.[200][201][202]

Christmas charity single

[edit]

On 28 November 2024, Davey released the Christmas charity single "Love is Enough" featuring the Bath Philharmonia choir, entering the race to secure the Christmas number one.[203] The song is "a tribute to the caring responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for."[204] His decision to do a Christmas song was inspired by his time as a chorister when he was a teenager. All money raised from downloads and streams of the song will go to the Carers Trust and Bath Philarmonia.[205]

Davey said of the song: “I hope people listen to this song and download it and are as impressed as I am by the amazing talent of these young carers. I hope people take some time this Christmas to think about this amazing group of people who look after their loved ones from such an early age. This time of year is tough for all carers, particularly young ones - let's put them in the spotlight.”[206]

Personal life

[edit]

In the summer of 2005 Davey married Emily Gasson, who was the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Dorset at the general election that year. Their first child, John, was born in December 2007. John has severe learning and physical disabilities due to an undiagnosed neurological condition, and requires round-the-clock care. This is provided for by Davey and his wife, as well as external carers, and is a key reason behind Davey's advocacy for carers.[15][207] Their son also has speech difficulties, spurring Davey's interest in speech therapy.[208] He and his wife have another child, a daughter named Ellie.[209]

The family lives in Surbiton, London, where Davey lived before his election to Parliament in 1997. Emily fought the North Dorset seat again in the 2010 general election, and also had the number two position on the Lib Dem London-wide candidate list for the 2016 London Assembly elections,[210] but was not elected. In the 2018 election, Emily stood for election as a councillor for the three-seat Norbiton Ward in 2018, part of the Royal Borough of Kingston Council, and topped the poll with 20% of the vote.[211]

Davey speaks English, French, German and Spanish.[212] He is a supporter of Notts County Football Club.[213]

Knight Bachelor insignia

Honours

[edit]

In 1995, Davey won a Royal Humane Society bravery award and commendation from the Chief constable of the British Transport Police for rescuing a woman who had fallen onto the railway line in the face of an oncoming train at Clapham Junction railway station.[14][214]

In 2001 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).[215]

He was sworn in as a member of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council on 8 February 2012, giving him the honorific prefix "The Right Honourable" for life.

Davey was knighted in the 2016 New Years Honours List for 'political and public service',[112][216] enabling him to wear the Knight Bachelor neck decoration on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

Publications

[edit]
  • Davey, Edward (2000), Making MPs Work For Our Money: Reforming Parliament's Role In Budget Scrutiny by 2000, Centre for Reform, ISBN 1-902622-21-9
  • Davey, Edward. "Liberalism and localism", Chapter 2 in The Orange Book: Reclaiming Liberalism by David Laws and Paul Marshall (contributions et al.), 2004, Profile Books, ISBN 1-86197-797-2
  • Davey, Edward; Hunter, Rebecca. People Who Help Us: Member of Parliament, 2004, Cherrytree Books, ISBN 978-1842345467

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Serving alongside Sal Brinton from 13 December 2019 to 1 January 2020 and Mark Pack from 1 January to 27 August 2020.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About Ed Davey". Ed Davey MP. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  2. ^ "RESULT: Lib Dem Ed Davey takes Kingston & Surbiton seat from Conservatives – South West Londoner". 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Orange Blossom". Liberator. 2004. Archived from the original on 7 July 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  4. ^ "Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 22 July 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Ed Davey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 July 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Davey vows faster energy switching". BBC News. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  7. ^ "New nuclear power plant approved". BBC News. 20 March 2013. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Jo Swinson quits as Lib Dem leader with Sir Ed Davey and Baroness Sal Brinton to take over". Evening Standard. 13 December 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  9. ^ "Sir Ed Davey and Baroness Sal Brinton will become the joint acting leaders of the Liberal Democrats following Jo Swinson's election defeat, the party has said". LBC. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  10. ^ Ashley, Jackie (20 September 2004). "Profile: Ed Davey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
  11. ^ "About Ed Davey". Ed Davey MP. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  12. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Wednesday 18 March 1970, page 13
  13. ^ 'Ed's story' – Liberal Democrats (YouTube)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g "Liberal Democrats: Edward Davey MP, Kingston & Surbiton". Liberal Democrats. Archived from the original on 26 September 2006. Retrieved 4 October 2006.
  15. ^ a b "Who is Sir Ed Davey? The Liberal Democrat leader who cared for his terminally ill mother as a child". Sky News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  16. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 20 November 1976, page 18
  17. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 15 July 1978, page 6
  18. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Monday 1 August 1977, page 16
  19. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 3 March 1984 page 5
  20. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Wednesday 5 September 1984, page 13
  21. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Monday 16 September 1985, page 10
  22. ^ a b c "Guardian Unlimited Politics". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 16 January 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2006.
  23. ^ "Edward Davey, MP". Birkbeck University of London. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  24. ^ "About Ed Davey". Ed Davey MP. 26 July 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  25. ^ a b c "Profile: Ed Davey". BBC News. 3 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 February 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  26. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 6 June 1997 (pt 14)". Hansard. 6 July 1997. Archived from the original on 27 August 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2006.
  27. ^ "Early day motion 1206 – The Greenwich Judgement". Parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  28. ^ "News release from Edward Davey – Gaming in Social clubs". www.cix.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 May 2005. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  29. ^ "Early day motion 259 – GAMING MACHINES IN CLUBS". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  30. ^ "Early day motion 222 – GAMING LAWS". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  31. ^ "NHS boss sacked for 'whistleblowing'". 2003. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  32. ^ Hall, Sarah (9 January 2003). "Hospital finance director 'sacked for whistleblowing'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  33. ^ Hawkes, Nigel (2003). "NHS chief sacked for exposing 'fiddle'". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  34. ^ "Finance directors sacking highlights Stalinist NHS, says MP | Public Finance". www.publicfinance.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  35. ^ Gornall, Jonathan (10 February 2004). "Blow the whistle and you're history". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  36. ^ "House of Commons Standing Committee A (pt 7)". parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  37. ^ "Tories lose Section 28 vote". 11 March 2003. Archived from the original on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  38. ^ "In full: How MPs voted". 14 February 2006. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  39. ^ "Smoking ban with love". East London and West Essex Guardian Series. 10 February 2006. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  40. ^ "Pubs: 'We'll cope with smoke ban'". Watford Observer. 24 February 2006. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  41. ^ Davey, Edward; Leunig, Tim (24 July 2007). "Auction land to ease the housing crisis". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  42. ^ Ricketts, Simon (2012). Localism and planning. Field, Duncan. Haywards Heath: Bloomsbury Professional. ISBN 9781847669452. OCLC 769473127.
  43. ^ "Lib Dem ordered out of EU debate". BBC News. 26 February 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  44. ^ Ed Davey & Tea With the Taleban Archived 14 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine Iain Dale's Diary, 20 September 2009
  45. ^ "Malala: We must talk to the Taliban to get peace". BBC News. 7 October 2013. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  46. ^ Government ministers and responsibilities Archived 10 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Cabinet Office
  47. ^ "Cameron's government: A guide to who's who". BBC News. 30 May 2010. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021.
  48. ^ Edward Davey Archived 19 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
  49. ^ Ed Davey is new employment minister Archived 24 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine Personnel Today, 20 May 2010
  50. ^ "Ministerial responsibilities announced at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  51. ^ "Business Secretary welcomes Free Trade Agreement signature". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  52. ^ Commons, The Committee Office, House of. "House of Commons – Business, Innovation and Skills Committee – Minutes of Evidence". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  53. ^ Wintour, Patrick (2 January 2012). "Coalition MPs in bid to find common agenda on European policy". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  54. ^ "Eurosceptic Tories are damaging the national interest – and their chances of winning the next election". www.newstatesman.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  55. ^ "Likeminded European Ministers meet to talk about growth". www.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  56. ^ a b Seldon, Anthony; Finn, Mike (2015). The coalition effect, 2010–2015. Seldon, Anthony,, Finn, Mike. Cambridge. ISBN 9781139946551. OCLC 906945736.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  57. ^ a b c d Letwin, Oliver (2017). Hearts and minds : the battle for the Conservative Party from Thatcher to the present. London. p. 176. ISBN 9781785903113. OCLC 994417960.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  58. ^ Croft, Adrian. "EU – South Korea trade pact to boost local firms – minister". U.K. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  59. ^ "House of Commons General Committee : Draft European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement) Order 2011 (17 January 2012)". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  60. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  61. ^ "Postal workers to protest against privatisation". The Independent. 21 January 2011. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  62. ^ Mulholland, Hélène; agencies (11 May 2011). "Unions attack plans to reform employment laws". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  63. ^ Kirkup, James (11 May 2011). "Sackings to be made easier and payouts cut in war on red tape". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  64. ^ "Retirement plan to 'boost economy'". BBC News. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  65. ^ "Tackling employment law red tape – GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  66. ^ a b Crerar, Pippa (8 January 2024). "Ed Davey attacks Post Office 'conspiracy of lies' as he defends role in scandal". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  67. ^ "The Post Office Horizon Scandal". www.libdems.org.uk. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  68. ^ "Post Office misled me about scandal, insists Ed Davey". BBC News. 5 January 2024. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  69. ^ Soteriou, Emma (3 January 2024). "'I regret not asking tougher questions': Former postal minister Ed Davey breaks silence on Horizon scandal". LBC. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  70. ^ Ravikumar, Sachin (10 January 2024). "Explainer: What is Britain's Post Office scandal?". Reuters. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  71. ^ Gutteridge, Nick; Penna, Dominic (9 January 2024). "Pressure on Ed Davey over knighthood after Post Office boss hands back CBE". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  72. ^ Court Circular for 8 February 2012.
  73. ^ Rigby, Jennifer (23 September 2012). "Ed Davey denies he is after Clegg's job". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  74. ^ Wettestad, Jørgen (25 May 2016). Rescuing EU emissions trading: the climate policy flagship. Jevnaker, Torbjørg. London. ISBN 9781137566744. OCLC 950884581.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  75. ^ a b c Claude, Turmes (2017). Energy transformation : an opportunity for Europe. Zeitoun, Jérémie. London. ISBN 9781785902574. OCLC 996422652.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  76. ^ "Green Growth Group Ministers' statement – next steps on the EU 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework – GOV.UK". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  77. ^ https://www.ippr.org/files/images/media/files/event/2014/02/speech-Davey-as-delivered_140213.pdf Archived 19 July 2018 at the Wayback Machine Page 3
  78. ^ "Edward Davey speech: Ambitious and Flexible – Europe's 2030 Framework for Emissions Reduction – GOV.UK". GOV.UK. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  79. ^ a b c "Opening up the energy markets; speech to Energy UK – GOV.UK". GOV.UK. 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  80. ^ "Davey vows faster energy switching". BBC News. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  81. ^ "'Massive' energy investment expected". BBC News. 13 October 2013. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  82. ^ Fortson, Danny (8 September 2013). "Davey woos China over nuclear plants". The Sunday Times. ISSN 0956-1382. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  83. ^ "Davey looks to drum up Chinese investment into Britain's future power". Financial Times. 22 September 2013. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  84. ^ "UK Minister Visits Korea for Green Partnership with Korea". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  85. ^ Mason, Chris (18 October 2013). "Jumpergate – the story that wasn't". BBC News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  86. ^ "Energy Bills: Jumpergate Is Unravelling". Sky News. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  87. ^ Trenenan, Ann (19 October 2013). "Westminster Diary". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  88. ^ "No. 10 Solves Energy Bill Crisis With Jumper Idea". HuffPost UK. 18 October 2013. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  89. ^ Swinford, Steven (18 October 2013). "Downing Street: People faced with rising energy bills should consider wearing jumpers". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  90. ^ Hiscott, Graham (18 October 2013). "Unravelling: David Cameron left sweating as voters hit out at 'put a jumper on' energy advice". mirror. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  91. ^ "Government offers woolly advice in energy row". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  92. ^ "Donald Macintyre's Sketch: Rejoice! We've surrendered our power to". The Independent. 21 October 2013. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  93. ^ Collins, Nick (22 April 2014). "Ed Davey: Russia holding world to ransom over energy". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  94. ^ Macalister, Terry (25 March 2014). "Offshore windfarms vital amid tensions with Russia, says energy secretary". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  95. ^ "UK says world needs to cut dependence on Russian gas, calls for G7..." Reuters. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  96. ^ "G7 to begin reducing Russian energy dependency – Ed Davey". Reuters. 6 May 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  97. ^ Dominiczak, Peter (6 March 2014). "Ed Davey: Tory climate sceptics need to 'shut it'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  98. ^ "Nigel Lawson: Rejecting the ideology". TotalPolitics.com. 1 May 2014. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  99. ^ Deacon, Michael (2 December 2013). "Sketch: Davey, Davey, give me your answer do". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  100. ^ Lucas, Caroline (21 March 2012). "Ed Davey's dash for gas will not help UK meet carbon targets Caroline Lucas". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  101. ^ Webb, Tim (26 September 2013). "California's blackout could reach Britain under price cap plan". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  102. ^ "Britain's Green-minded climate change minister resigns: why that's good for the environment". The Economist. 3 February 2012. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  103. ^ Leunig, Tim (1 June 2012). "The Liberal Democrats and Supply-Side Economics". Economic Affairs. 32 (2): 17–20. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0270.2012.02149.x. ISSN 1468-0270. S2CID 153972296.
  104. ^ "Lib Dem peers see Ed Davey as next party leader". The Independent. 1 February 2015. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  105. ^ Martin, Iain (9 June 2013). "Is Nick Clegg the Tories' biggest headache?". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  106. ^ "Nick Clegg's likely successor prepares to rebuild Lib Dems". Financial Times. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  107. ^ "Future Leaders Series 1: Who Will Succeed Nick Clegg?". iaindale.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  108. ^ "Ed Davey: The lowdown from a possible future Lib Dem leader". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  109. ^ "Is Clegg anointing his heir?". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  110. ^ Smith, Mikey; Beament, Emily (8 May 2015). "Ed Davey becomes first cabinet minister to lose seat since 1997". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  111. ^ Edmonds, Lizzie (8 May 2015). "Kingston and Surbiton election result: Lib Dem Ed Davey loses seat to". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  112. ^ a b "No. 61450". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 2015. p. N2.
  113. ^ "Kingston & Surbiton parliamentary constituency – Election 2017". BBC News. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  114. ^ Elgot, Jessica (27 June 2017). "Ed Davey rules out standing for Lib Dem leadership". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  115. ^ "Ed Davey". 27 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  116. ^ Maidment, Jack (24 May 2019). "Sir Vince Cable triggers Lib Dem leadership contest with new leader set to be in place by July 23". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  117. ^ Elgot, Jessica (30 May 2019). "'We have to stop no-deal': Ed Davey kicks off Lib Dem leadership bid". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  118. ^ White, Megan (30 May 2019). "Lib Dem leadership race: Sir Ed Davey announces his candidacy to succeed Sir Vince Cable". London Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  119. ^ "Lib Dems: Jo Swinson elected new leader". BBC News. 22 July 2019. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  120. ^ Davey, Ed [@EdwardJDavey] (3 September 2019). "News: thrilled to be entrusted by parliamentary colleagues to be @LibDems Deputy Leader" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 September 2019 – via Twitter.
  121. ^ Pack, Mark (3 September 2019). "Ed Davey is the new Liberal Democrat deputy leader". Markpack.org.uk. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  122. ^ Walker, Peter (4 June 2020). "Ed Davey: my experience as a carer can help rebuild Britain after coronavirus". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 June 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  123. ^ "Davey launches Liberal Democrat leadership bid". Shropshire Star. 4 June 2020. Archived from the original on 4 June 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  124. ^ Woodcock, Andrew (4 June 2020). "Ed Davey pledges citizen's basic income for carers as he launches Lib Dem leadership campaign". The Independent. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  125. ^ Read, Jonathon (13 July 2020). "Ed Davey says he is 'anti-Conservative' and will work with Keir Starmer to oust Boris Johnson". The New European. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  126. ^ "Lib Dems' Ed Davey calls for zero carbon domestic flights by 2030". inews.co.uk. 19 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  127. ^ Read, Jonathon (27 July 2020). "POLL: Who gets your backing in the Lib Dem leadership election?". The New European. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  128. ^ "Layla Moran on turning left and whether the Lib Dems should go into coalition again". New Statesman. 10 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  129. ^ Steerpike (4 July 2020). "Was Ed Davey 'a bit right-wing' for a Tory coalition partner?". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  130. ^ Stewart, Heather (27 August 2020). "Ed Davey elected Liberal Democrat leader". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  131. ^ "Sir Ed Davey wins Liberal Democrats leadership election". BBC News. 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  132. ^ "Britain's Conservatives trounced in local elections as Labour makes gains". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  133. ^ "Lib Dems aim to grab attention with campaign stunts". BBC News. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  134. ^ Rawlinson, Kevin (28 May 2024). "Stunts, sewage and serious messaging: Lib Dems hope to capitalise on outrage at water pollution". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  135. ^ "Lib Dems plunge head first into final week of campaign". BBC News. 1 July 2024. Archived from the original on 3 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  136. ^ Patrick, Holly (31 May 2024). Ed Davey rides rubber ring on waterslide as Lib Dems campaign about children's mental health. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024 – via www.independent.co.uk.
  137. ^ "General Election 2024: A quick take on the Lib Dem's manifesto". BBC News. 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  138. ^ "Ed Davey says Lib Dems would fight for UK to rejoin EU and one day overturn Brexit". The Independent. 10 June 2024. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  139. ^ "One in three Lib Dem voters don't recognise Ed Davey". YouGov. 22 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 July 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  140. ^ Whannel, Kate (26 June 2024). "Ed Davey calls for gambling law review after election bet row". BBC News. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  141. ^ Henry, Charlotte (5 July 2024). "Why the Lib Dems did so well". The Spectator. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  142. ^ X | @EllieSwintonITV, Source (5 July 2024). "Ed Davey sings Sweet Caroline as Lib Dems celebrate historic election – video". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  143. ^ "Sir Ed Davey hails 'record-breaking' night for Liberal Democrats". BBC News. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  144. ^ "Budget 2024 live: Rachel Reeves raises taxes by £40bn, with businesses paying more than half". BBC News.
  145. ^ Harding, LaToya (30 October 2024). "Reeves announces £40bn tax hike in UK budget". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  146. ^ "All hands on DECC: Ed Davey interview". TotalPolitics.com. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  147. ^ Westminster, Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons. "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 05 Apr 2011 (pt 0002)". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  148. ^ "House of Commons Public Bill Committee : Postal Services Bill". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  149. ^ "Edward Davey delivers the Dudley Newitt Lecture on the Energy Challenge". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  150. ^ GetWestLondon (7 March 2011). "Ed Davey MP: Coalition will restore liberty to the people". getwestlondon. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  151. ^ "Ed Davey: this is a pro-European coalition". www.newstatesman.com. 4 April 2012. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  152. ^ Dean, Alex. "Ed Davey: Boris Johnson "has betrayed his country"". Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  153. ^ a b Davey, Ed (6 October 2017). "Treating tech giants like the enemy won't help fight extremism". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  154. ^ "Amber Rudd is making enemies in the tech sector". The Independent. 3 October 2017. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  155. ^ "U.K. Breached EU Law With Internet Spying, Court Rules". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  156. ^ Mason, Rowena; Asthana, Anushka; Travis, Alan (15 March 2016). "'Snooper's charter': Theresa May faces calls to improve bill to protect privacy". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  157. ^ Rustin, Susanna (25 October 2013). "Ed Davey interview: 'I'm not going to give up on renewable energy'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  158. ^ a b c d Elwes, Jay. "Ed Davey interview: bring me sunshine". Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  159. ^ Davey, Ed (12 January 2014). "Coalition energy market reforms will bring cheaper power to the people | Ed Davey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  160. ^ "Edward Davey speech to the Global Offshore Wind Conference – GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. 14 June 2012. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  161. ^ Abdoh, Saskia. "Rise of the renewables". Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  162. ^ "Sir Ed Davey on the Future of Community Energy". Mongoose Energy. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  163. ^ "Fracking is 'not evil', says Ed Davey". The Guardian. Press Association. 5 September 2013. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  164. ^ "Lib Dem vote backs nuclear power". BBC News. 15 September 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  165. ^ Vaughan, Adam (9 September 2013). "Fracking won't endanger UK's climate targets, says Ed Davey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  166. ^ Gosden, Emily (6 March 2015). "Ed Davey: 'Crazy' Conservatives would 'frack every bit of croquet lawn'". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  167. ^ Vaughan, Adam; Elgot, Jessica (16 September 2017). "Nuclear power plants may not keep Britain's lights on, say Lib Dems". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  168. ^ Mason, Rowena (15 September 2013). "Lib Dems vote to accept nuclear power". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  169. ^ Stone, Jon (6 September 2020). "Brexit: Lib Dems won't campaign to rejoin EU, signals new leader Ed Davey". The Independent. Archived from the original on 6 September 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  170. ^ Read, Jonathon (5 September 2020). "Ed Davey says Lib Dems will not campaign for UK to rejoin EU but will call for closer ties". The New European. Archived from the original on 6 September 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  171. ^ Davey, Ed (20 January 2021). "The Liberal Democrats are the most pro-European party in British Politics". Liberal Democrats. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  172. ^ https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/national/19272069.sir-ed-davey-mood-change-among-scottish-voters-may-see-lib-dem-gains/
  173. ^ Walker, Jonathan (17 March 2021). "Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says 'men have got to change' to create a safer society". Birmingham Live. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  174. ^ ""We're calling on you to act now": read Stylist's open letter to Priti Patel about ending male violence against women and girls". Stylist. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  175. ^ Marr, Andrew. "Sir Ed Davey on the Liberal Democrats polling, trans rights, and vaccine passports". The Andrew Marr Show. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  176. ^ Merrick, Rob (17 September 2021). "Trans women should be allowed in all public places, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey says". The Independent. Archived from the original on 5 July 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  177. ^ Tara, John. "Anti-trans rhetoric is rife in the British media. Little is being done to extinguish the flames". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  178. ^ "Tories lose North Shropshire seat they held for nearly 200 years". BBC News. 17 December 2021. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  179. ^ Francis, Sam; Catt, Helen (31 October 2024). "Ed Davey 'minded' to vote against assisted dying bill". BBC News. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  180. ^ "MP urges action on Guantanamo detainee". Reuters. 21 January 2007. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  181. ^ Davey, Edward (17 August 2009). "End the rendition cover-up Edward Davey". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  182. ^ "Blair urged to fight for Guantanamo detainee". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  183. ^ Taylor, Diane (10 October 2017). "Torture victims were wrongly imprisoned in UK, high court rules". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  184. ^ "Centrica buys 20 years of gas supplies from the US as cold weather". The Independent. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  185. ^ Vukmanovic, Oleg (8 October 2012). "Britain's gas supply prey to Qatar marketing strategy". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  186. ^ Moylan, John (26 March 2015). "Norwegian green energy to power UK". BBC News. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  187. ^ Smyth, Jamie (20 September 2012). "Irish Sea green power link goes live". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  188. ^ "Energy trading creates opportunities for Ireland & UK – Davey & Rabbitte". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  189. ^ "U.K.'s Davey Rebuffs Fears on Chinese Nuclear Investment". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  190. ^ "Liberal Democrats call for 'immediate bilateral ceasefire' in Israel-Hamas war". The Independent. 13 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  191. ^ "Politicians react with shock to attack on Donald Trump". BBC News. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  192. ^ Burford, Rachael (7 November 2024). "Trump branded 'dangerous, destructive demagogue' by Lib Dem leader". The Standard. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  193. ^ a b c d e "Summary of business appointments applications – Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey". Advisory Committee on Business Appointments – GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  194. ^ "About – Mongoose Energy". Mongoose Energy. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  195. ^ Leftly, Mark (9 March 2016). "Lord Avebury would never have been this complacent over Hinkley Point". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  196. ^ Harris, John (2 September 2016). "Politics can't heal until politicians stand clear of the revolving door". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  197. ^ "The Team". Nord Engine Capital. Archived from the original on 14 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  198. ^ "Lib Dem leader Ed Davey quits HSF advisory role amid MPs second jobs row". Legal Cheek. 18 November 2021. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  199. ^ Commons, The Committee Office, House of. "House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 28 September 2017: Korea". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  200. ^ Commons, The Committee Office, House of. "House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 31 January 2018: Charity Retail". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  201. ^ Commons, The Committee Office, House of. "House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 6 June 2018: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  202. ^ Commons, The Committee Office, House of. "House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 6 June 2018: Land Value Capture". publications.parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  203. ^ "Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey in bid for Christmas No 1". BBC News. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  204. ^ "Bath Philharmonia | Orchestra | Bath". Bath Phil. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  205. ^ "Ed Davey aiming for Christmas number one with song celebrating young carers". Sky News. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  206. ^ "Ed Davey Launches Bid for Christmas No.1 Hit With "Love Is Enough"". www.libdems.org.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  207. ^ Shipman, Tim (30 August 2020). "Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader with a disabled son, says: I'll be voice of carers". The Times. Archived from the original on 30 August 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  208. ^ "PRESS RELEASE – KINGSTON MPS AND Your Healthcare JOIN FORCES". Archived from the original on 12 February 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  209. ^ "Liberal Democrats: Who is leader Sir Ed Davey?". BBC News. 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  210. ^ "London 2016 GLA candidates". 27 September 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  211. ^ "Election results for Norbiton Ward, 3 May 2018". 3 May 2018. Archived from the original on 13 May 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  212. ^ "Edward Davey". politics.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  213. ^ "Ed Davey – Who is the Lib Dem Leader?". Politics.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  214. ^ "Ed Davey: 'The night I pulled a woman from the tracks as a train". Independent.co.uk. 3 March 2012. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  215. ^ "A third of new MPs have arts and culture links". Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  216. ^ "New Year's Honours 2016 list" (PDF). GOV.UK. 30 December 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 January 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
[edit]
Wikiquote has quotations related to Ed Davey.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ed Davey.
Parliament of the United Kingdom
New constituency Member of Parliament
for Kingston and Surbiton
1997–2015 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of Parliament
for Kingston and Surbiton
2017–present 		Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by Undersecretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs
2010–2012 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
2012–2015 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats
2019–2020 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Leader of the Liberal Democrats
2020–present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ed_Davey&oldid=1264151908"