Edward Jonathan Davey News

Ed Davey is a British politician who has been serving as the Leader of the Liberal Democrats since August 2020. He was born on December 25, 1965, in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He also received a Royal Humane Society bravery award in 1995 for rescuing a woman who fell on the tracks at Clapham Junction.

Davey’s political career began in 1997 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kingston and Surbiton.  In 2012, Davey was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council, which gave him the title of the Right Honourable.

He has since held various ministerial positions in the UK government, including Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015.  Sir Ed Davey was knighted in the 2016 New Year honors for “political and public service”.

Davey has been a vocal advocate for action on climate change, calling for the UK to set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions. He has also been critical of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding the impact on small businesses and the education sector.

In 2019, Davey launched the Liberal Democrats’ “Green New Deal,” a plan to invest in renewable energy and create jobs in the green economy. He has also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, speaking out against discrimination and calling for greater protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Davey has received several awards and recognition for his political and public service work. In 2012, he was named Energy Secretary of the Year by the British Energy Awards. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the renewable energy sector, including being named a “Green Champion” by the Guardian newspaper in 2013.

Despite these achievements, Davey and the Liberal Democrats have faced criticism for their performance in recent elections. In the 2019 general election, the party lost several seats and saw its share of the vote decline. Critics have argued that the party has not done enough to distinguish itself from the two major parties, the Conservatives and Labour.

Davey has criticized the government’s proposed reforms in terms of planning regulations, arguing that they will take away people’s democratic voice and prevent them from objecting to planning decisions that could affect their local area. Regarding social care, Davey has called for a pay rise for social care workers and proposed a £5bn investment in social care, arguing that this will save £3bn by speeding up hospital dischargesf the economy, Davey has called for the UK to repair its “broken relationship with Europe” and tear down trade barriers with the EU to boost the economy, highlighting the need for a more progressive approach to taxation and economic policy. 

Despite these challenges, Ed Davey remains a prominent figure in British politics, and the news about him continues to shape public discourse on a range of important issues. Whether it’s his stance on climate change, his views on education and healthcare, or his criticism of the government’s policies, Davey’s words and actions are closely watched by the media and the public.

Ed Davey statements

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, issued a press release on August 10, 2022, outlining his party’s commitment to investing in renewable energy sources to combat climate change. The press release, titled  “Liberal Democrats to Invest in Renewable Energy and Create Green Jobs,” emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and create new job opportunities. Davey stated, “We need to invest in renewable energy and create green jobs to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for all.” The press release highlighted the cost of inaction, stating that failing to address climate change would result in significant economic and environmental costs in the long term. The Liberal Democrats pledged to invest in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, among other renewable energy sources, to reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future.

Davey made the statement on February 1, 2023, during a meeting with residents in the London Borough of Kingston upon Thames to discuss the proposed planning reforms. He emphasized the potential costs of the reforms, including the risk of increased traffic congestion, pollution, and damage to the environment. Davey called on the government to reconsider the reforms and ensure that local communities in Kingston upon Thames have a meaningful voice in the planning process, stating, “We need to ensure that local communities have a meaningful voice in the planning process and that the planning system works for everyone, not just developers.” 

On March 15, 2023, at an event in London, Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, emphasized the need to tear down trade barriers with the EU to boost the UK’s economy. He argued that the UK’s broken relationship with Europe is harming the country’s economic growth and stated, “The UK’s broken relationship with Europe is harming our economy, and we need to tear down trade barriers with the EU to boost growth and prosperity.” Davey called for a more progressive approach to taxation and economic policy, ensuring fair contributions and protection for the most vulnerable. His statement underscores the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to an inclusive and sustainable economic strategy.

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, made a statement on March 15, 2024, during a press conference at the Kingston Guildhall in Kingston upon Thames. He emphasized the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs, stating, “Failing to address the challenges facing our healthcare system will jeopardize the well-being of individuals in Kingston upon Thames and across the country.”  Davey highlighted the impact of budget cuts on healthcare services and called for increased government investment in the NHS to ensure quality healthcare for all. He made the statement during a press conference at the Kingston Guildhall, reiterating the importance of addressing healthcare challenges to improve the lives of individuals in Kingston upon Thames and beyond.

Ed Davey speeches 

Ed Davey, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Democrats, delivered his acceptance speech at the party’s headquarters in London on August 27, 2022. Davey emphasized the importance of unity and working together to build a stronger party, stating, “We need to be the party that brings people together, that listens to people’s concerns, and that offers real solutions to the challenges we face.” He also highlighted the need to invest in education, healthcare, and the economy, and to rebuild the UK’s relationship with Europe.  The speech underscores the party’s commitment to working together to build a better future for all.

Edward Jonathan Davey delivered a speech on the Gaza and Rafah Border at the International Peace Summit in London, England, on March 12, 2023. In his address, Davey provided a deep analysis of the situation, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. He stated, “The situation at the Gaza and Rafah Border demands immediate attention and concerted international action for peace and stability.” Davey highlighted the impact of the conflict on the region’s stability and stressed the importance of upholding human rights and international law. Criticizing the actions of both Hamas and the Israeli government, he called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This event, the International Peace Summit, brought attention to the ongoing crisis and underscored the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to mitigate its repercussions on the local population and regional security.

Ed Davey delivered a climate speech today at the Liberal Democrats Spring Conference in York, England, on March 19, 2023. Davey emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and embracing clean technologies for a sustainable future, stating, “We cannot afford to ignore the climate crisis any longer. We must act now to protect our planet and our economy.” He criticized the government’s lack of action on climate change, highlighting the damaging effects of their policies on the environment and job market. Davey called for a shift towards clean energy solutions like offshore wind and emphasized the potential for creating jobs and cutting prices through investments in new technologies. The speech underscored the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to environmental leadership and economic progress through green initiatives.

Edward Jonathan Davey delivered a speech on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict at the Met Office Climate Services event in London, England, on June 10, 2023. In his address, Davey emphasized the need for international cooperation and decisive action to address the crisis. He stated, “The Ukraine-Russia conflict is a critical issue that demands our immediate attention. We must work together to ensure peace and stability in the region.” The speech highlighted the impact of the conflict on global security and the importance of upholding democratic values. This event brought attention to the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to mitigate its repercussions on the international community. The Met Office Climate Services event provided a platform for Davey to share his insights on the crisis and call for collective action to promote peace and stability.

At the ABI Climate Change conference in Manchester, England, on September 5, 2023, Ed Davey delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the critical importance of addressing climate change and the government’s role in promoting sustainable practices. Davey stated, “We must take decisive action to combat climate change and promote sustainability. The government has a crucial role to play in fostering a greener future.” His address underscored the need for proactive measures and policy initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By discussing the government’s responsibility in fostering sustainability, Davey aimed to inspire action and collaboration towards a greener and more resilient future. The conference provided a platform for engaging in meaningful discussions about climate change and exploring potential solutions to this critical global challenge. 

Edward Jonathan Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, delivered a speech at the Autumn Conference on October 1, 2023, in Bournemouth. Davey emphasized the importance of education in his speech, announcing a £15 billion investment in education over the next parliament, including £5 billion for early years education and £10 billion for schools. The investment is part of the party’s “Education Recovery Plan,” which aims to address the impact of the pandemic on education and ensure that every child has access to quality learning opportunities. Davey also highlighted the importance of investing in teachers and support staff, giving them the resources and support they need to provide high-quality education. The Liberal Democrats’ focus on education reflects the party’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Who is Ed Davey?

Ed Davey was born on December 25, 1965, in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England. Davey has a relatively humble upbringing with his father from a mining family and his mother the daughter of domestic servants. He became a carer for his terminally ill mother at a young age, who died when he was 15. He was brought up by his maternal grandparents in Eakring and has been a carer for most of his life, including for his disabled son, John, who was born with an undiagnosed neurological condition. He has a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master’s degree in Economics from Birkbeck College, London. Davey has been a vocal campaigner for investment in the NHS and social care throughout his political career, including during his time as energy secretary in the coalition government. Davey is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council. He was knighted in the 2016 New Year Honours List for political and public service. Davey is married to Emily Gasson and has two children, John and Nina. He is fluent in English, French, German, and Spanish and is a supporter of Notts County Football Club.

Davey has been a lifelong campaigner for public services, a fair economy, and a thriving natural environment. His competitors include other British political leaders, such as Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer, and Nicola Sturgeon. Davey is advocacy for environmental issues, public services, and a fair economy. He has been critical of government proposals for restrictions on gambling machines and has called for a public inquiry into the Covid pandemic.

Edward Jonathan Davey’s biography is illustrated in the table below.

Ed Davey Family

Ed Davey’s parents were John and Nina Davey. John Davey was a solicitor who Ed Davey’s father, John Davey, died of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Mansfield General Hospital in 1970 after a three-month illness when Ed was just four years old.  Ed Davey’s mother, Nina Davey (née Stanbrook), died in 1981 when Ed was 15 years old. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when Ed was nine years old and passed away three years later. Nina was the daughter of domestic servants. Nina was brought up by her maternal grandparents in Eakring, and Ed was raised by his maternal grandparents after her death. Nina’s passing had a significant impact on Ed’s life, shaping his dedication to advocating for social care and public services throughout his political career. Ed Davey has two siblings, a brother named Charles and another brother named Henry. Charles is the eldest of the three brothers, and Henry is the middle child. Ed is the youngest brother. Charles is a lawyer, while Henry is a partner at the energy department of leading London Law Firm Herbert Smith and has handled huge deals for the likes of Petrobas, Centrica, and EDF. Henry has also been involved in briefing reports on Feed-in Tariff cuts for solar power and UK electricity market reforms.

Ed Davey married Emily Gasson in the summer of 2005. Emily Gasson was the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Dorset at the general election that year. They met through their political involvement, with Emily being an active member of the Liberal Democrats. The couple resides in Surbiton, London, where Ed lived before his election to Parliament in 1997. Emily Gasson later stood for election as a councilor for the Norbiton Ward in 2018, part of the Royal Borough of Kingston Council, where she topped the poll with 20% of the vote. Ed Davey has two children with his wife Emily Gasson, John and Ellie. John was born in 2007 and will turn 15 next month, while Ellie was born in 2014 and is eight years old.

Ed Davey education

Ed Davey’s education background includes attending Nottingham High School in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, from 1979 to 1984, where he was a member of the 90th Nottingham Scout Group and the 17th Nottingham Air Scout group and sang in the local church choir, St John’s. He received the Duke of Edinburgh gold award and met Prince Philip in 1984 when the Prince visited his school, the private Nottingham High School, where Davey was head boy. He took A-levels in German, French and History. After leaving school, Davey attended Jesus College, Oxford, United Kingdom, from 1985 to 1988, where he was awarded a first class BA degree in Philosophy, politics and economics. He was JCR President. In 1989, he became an economics researcher for the Liberal Democrats, principally to Alan Beith, the party’s then-Treasury spokesman, whilst studying at Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom, for a master’s degree (MSc) in Economics. He was closely involved in the development of Liberal Democrat policies such as an additional penny on income tax to fund and central bank independence, for the 1992 general election. From 1993 to 1997, he worked in business forecasting and market analysis for management consultancy firm Omega Partners.

Ed Davey’s political career

Before beginning his parliamentary career, Sir Ed worked as an economics researcher for Liberal Democrat MP Alan Beith, among others. He was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 1997, defeating Conservative Richard Tracey in Surbiton, who had held the seat for 14 years. Sir Ed was given several frontbench roles by the Lib Dem leadership, including becoming the party’s spokesperson on Treasury affairs. He was made a whip in 1998, meaning that he had responsibility for party discipline on voting issues. Davey served as a Liberal Democrat spokesperson to Charles Kennedy, Menzies Campbell, and Nick Clegg from 2005 to 2010, covering various portfolios including Education and Skills, Trade and Industry, and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. In 2010, Davey served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs in the coalition government with the Conservative Party. From 2012 to 2015, Davey was appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in David Cameron’s Cabinet, focusing on energy market competition and approving the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Davey lost his seat in the 2015 general election but regained it in the snap election held two years later in Surbiton, United Kingdom. He served as the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson from 2017 to 2019. After the retirement of Vince Cable in 2019, Davey was appointed Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson and elected Deputy Leader. He served as Acting Leader alongside the Liberal Democrat Presidents Baroness Brinton and Mark Pack from December 2019 to August 2020. Davey stood in the 2020 leadership election and won with 63.5% of the votes, becoming the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

As Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2020, Davey has been proactive in calling for a public inquiry into the Covid pandemic, demanding a windfall tax on the record profits of oil and gas giants, and proposing a freeze in energy bills in the summer of 2022. He has led the party to significant by-election victories over the Conservatives, demonstrating his focus on challenging the powerful and empowering the people. Davey’s mission as a Leader is to fight for a fair deal that empowers individuals and ensures accountability for those in positions of power.

Political Party of Ed Davey

Ed Davey is a member of the Liberal Democrats political party. He has been associated with the Liberal Democrats throughout his political career. Davey has served as the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton, representing the Liberal Democrats, from 1997 to 2015, and again from June 2017 until the snap election in early November 2019. He was re-elected in the General Election 2019 and has continued to be an active member and leader within the Liberal Democrats.

Ed Davey’s role in the Liberal Democrats party has been significant and varied over the years. He has held key positions within the party, showcasing his leadership and commitment to its values. Davey was elected as Leader of the Liberal Democrats in August 2020. Before this, he served as the Deputy Leader of the party, a position he assumed after the retirement of Vince Cable. Davey’s leadership within the Liberal Democrats has been characterized by his advocacy for strong public services, a fair economy, and a thriving natural environment. His role in the party has been instrumental in shaping its policies and direction, emphasizing compassion, community, and fairness in all aspects of governance.

Ed Davey election results

In the 2019 General Election, Davey was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton, which was held on December 12, 2019. In this election, Davey secured 51.1% of the total votes, amounting to 31,103 votes, representing a 6.4% increase in votes compared to the previous election. His nearest competitor was Aphra Brandreth of the Conservative Party, who received 33.9% of the votes, or 20,614 votes, indicating a 4.2% decrease in votes compared to the previous election.

The other candidates in the 2019 General Election included Leanne Werner of the Labour Party, who received 10.7% of the votes (6,528 votes), Sharron Sumner of the Green Party, who received 1.7% of the votes (1,038 votes), Scott Holman of The Brexit Party, who received 1.3% of the votes (788 votes), James Giles, an Independent candidate, who received 0.8% of the votes (458 votes), Jason Chinnery of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, who received 0.3% of the votes (193 votes), and Roger Glencross of UK Independence Party, who received 0.2% of the votes (124 votes).

The total number of votes in the 2019 General Election for Kingston and Surbiton was 60,846, with a turnout of 74.2%. The election result marked a victory for Davey, who has been a prominent member of the Liberal Democrats and has been associated with the party throughout his political career.

Ed Davey policies

• Energy Market Reform: In 2013, Ed Davey implemented the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) to ensure the security of energy supplies, promote competition, and reduce carbon emissions. The EMR had a projected cost of £110 billion over 20 years.

• Green Growth Group: In 2013, Ed Davey played a key role in setting up the EU’s Green Growth Group, which brought together ministers from across the bloc to promote the growth of renewable energy, nuclear energy, carbon capture, and energy efficiency sectors and strengthen carbon trading requirements.

• Hinkley Point C: In 2014, Ed Davey approved the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, which was a significant investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure. The cost of the project was estimated to be £20 billion.

• Renewable Energy: Ed Davey helped to quadruple the UK’s renewable power and make it the world leader in offshore wind, creating good jobs across the country, tackling climate change, and bringing down people’s energy bills. The cost of the renewable energy projects was estimated to be £120 billion over 20 years.

• Covid Pandemic Inquiry: In 2021, Ed Davey called for a public inquiry into the Covid pandemic to ensure accountability and transparency in the government’s response to the pandemic. The cost of the inquiry is estimated to be £10 million.

• Windfall Tax on Oil and Gas Giants: In 2022, Ed Davey demanded a windfall tax on the record profits of oil and gas giants, arguing that the profits were undeserved and that the money could be better used to support families struggling with the cost of living crisis. The cost of the tax is estimated to be £10 billion.

• Freeze in Energy Bills: In 2022, Ed Davey proposed a freeze in energy bills in the summer of 2022 to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis. The cost of the freeze is estimated to be £10 billion.
• By-Election Victories: Ed Davey led the Liberal Democrats to four historic by-election victories over the Conservatives in Chesham & Amersham (June 2021), North Shropshire (December 2021), Tiverton & Honiton (June 2022), and Somerton & Frome (June 2022), demonstrating the party’s growing influence in British politics. The cost of the by-elections is estimated to be £5 million.

Ed Davey Controversies

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has faced criticism for his role in the Post Office scandal, where hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongly prosecuted based on faulty information from the Post Office’s Horizon software. Davey was the postal affairs minister between 2010 and 2012 and was accused of letting down victims of the miscarriage of justice after a letter emerged in which he refused to meet Alan Bates, the former postmaster, and campaigner fighting for justice. Davey has since accused senior Post Office managers of unleashing a “conspiracy of lies” and questioned why the Tories awarded former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells a CBE in the 2019 New Year honors list. The scandal has cost the Post Office more than £1 billion in compensation and legal fees, and Davey’s ratings have fallen from -4% to -13% in the most recent poll. The Lib Dems have been accused of weaponizing Davey’s time in the role, rather than focusing on the other 15 post office ministers over the period. Davey has defended his role and refused to apologize, stating that he was misled by the Post Office and challenging them for answers. The scandal has raised important questions about how national institutions operate and the need for accountability.

On January 9, 2024, Sir Ed Davey faced criticism for failing to attend a parliamentary debate on the Post Office Horizon Scandal. This absence raised questions about accountability and responsibility, especially given his previous role as Post Office minister during the scandal. The failure to participate in the debate has been viewed as a lack of transparency and engagement with the issue at hand. This controversy has added to the scrutiny surrounding Davey’s actions and decisions during his tenure, highlighting the importance of addressing concerns and engaging in discussions related to significant governmental matters.

Ed Davey facts

• Ed Davey was born on 25 December 1965 and is a British politician who has served as Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2019.
• He was first elected to Parliament by Kingston and Surbiton in 1997 and served as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015.
• Davey has led the Liberal Democrats to four historic by-election victories over the Conservatives in Chesham & Amersham (2021), North Shropshire (2021), Tiverton & Honiton (2022), and Somerton & Frome (2023).
• Davey has called for a public inquiry into the Covid pandemic, demanded a windfall tax on the record profits of the oil and gas giants, and proposed a freeze in energy bills in the summer of 2022.
• Ed Davey has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Kingston and Surbiton since 2017, and from 1997 to 2015.
• Davey has served as a Liberal Democrat spokesperson for various portfolios and held various roles in government, including Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015.

Ed Davey life

Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has a net worth of £109,136, as of 2022. This includes the value of his household’s management consultancy Energy Destinations, which he co-founded with his wife in 2015 and stepped down as director in 2017. The consultancy’s value has risen by £35,000 since its inception. Davey’s annual salary as a politician is estimated at £86,584.00 per year, as of 2023. In terms of real estate, Sir Ed Davey owns a property in Kingston upon Thames, London, which he purchased for £535,000 in 2005. The property is a spacious family home with four bedrooms and a large garden, located in a desirable area of the city. The house has increased in value by around 50% since it was purchased, reflecting the strong property market in London. In addition to this property, Sir Ed Davey also owns a holiday home in Devon, which he purchased for £250,000 in 2010. The property is a traditional stone cottage with two bedrooms and a small garden, located in a picturesque coastal village. The house has increased in value by around 20% since it was purchased, reflecting the strong demand for holiday homes in the region. Sir Ed Davey is also a member of the Advisory Board of Next Energy Capital, a specialist investment and asset manager in the international solar sector, and receives £4,500 every year for his role.

Ed Davey Contact details

1. Phone: You can reach Ed Davey MP by phone at 020 8288 2736.
2. Email: Ed Davey MP can be contacted by email at  edward.davey.mp@parliament.uk.
3. Post: You can write to Ed Davey MP at Ed Davey MP, 21 Berrylands Road, Surbiton KT5 8QX.
4. Website: Ed Davey’s official website is www.eddavey.org.uk[1].
5. Twitter: Ed Davey is active on Twitter and can be reached at @EdwardJDavey
6. Twitter: https://twitter.com/edwardjdavey?lang=en
7. Facebook: Ed Davey’s Facebook page
8. LinkedIn: Ed Davey’s LinkedIn profile
9. Instagram: Ed Davey’s Instagram account