View source for Ed Davey

{{Short description|British politician (born 1965)}}
{{redirect|Edward Davey|the architect and politician in St. John's, Newfoundland|Edward Henry Davey}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix    = [[The Right Honourable]]
| name                = Sir Ed Davey
| honorific_suffix    = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|MP|FRSA}}
| image               = Official portrait of Ed Davey MP crop 2, 2024.jpg
| office              = [[Leader of the Liberal Democrats]]
| caption             = Official portrait, 2024
| deputy              = [[Daisy Cooper]]
| term_start          = 27 August 2020{{efn|name=fn1|Davey previously served as acting leader, a role he shared with [[Sal Brinton]] from 13 December 2019 to 1 January 2020 and with [[Mark Pack]] from 1 January to 27 August 2020.}}
| term_end            = 
| 1blankname          = [[President of the Liberal Democrats|President]]
| 1namedata           = {{plainlist|
* [[Sal Brinton]]
* [[Mark Pack]]
}}
| predecessor         = [[Jo Swinson]]
| successor           = 
| office1             = [[Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats]]
| leader1             = {{plainlist|
* Jo Swinson{{efn|name=fn1}}
* Himself (acting)
* Sal Brinton (acting)
* [[Mark Pack]] (acting)
}}
| term_start1         = 3 September 2019
| term_end1           = 27 August 2020
| predecessor1        = Jo Swinson
| successor1          = Daisy Cooper
| office2             = [[Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change]]
| primeminister2      = [[David Cameron]]
| term_start2         = 3 February 2012
| term_end2           = 8 May 2015
| predecessor2        = [[Chris Huhne]]
| successor2          = [[Amber Rudd]]
| office3             = [[Department for Business, Innovation and Skills|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs]]
| primeminister3      = David Cameron
| term_start3         = 20 May 2010
| term_end3           = 3 February 2012
| predecessor3        = [[Anthony Young, Baron Young of Norwood Green|Anthony Young]]
| successor3          = [[Norman Lamb]]
| parliament4         = United Kingdom
| constituency_MP4    = [[Kingston and Surbiton]]
| term_start4         = 8 June 2017
| term_end4           = 
| predecessor4        = [[James Berry (barrister)|James Berry]]
| successor4          = 
| majority4           = 17,235 (34.1%)
| term_start5         = 1 May 1997
| term_end5           = 30 March 2015
| predecessor5        = {{ubl|[[Richard Tracey]] ([[Surbiton (UK Parliament constituency)|Surbiton]])|[[Norman Lamont]] ([[Kingston-upon-Thames (UK Parliament constituency)|Kingston-upon-Thames]])}}
| successor5          = James Berry
| title6              = Liberal Democrat portfolios
| suboffice6          = [[Department for Education and Skills (United Kingdom)|Education and Skills]]
| subterm6            = 2005–2006
| suboffice7          = [[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Trade and Industry]]
| subterm7            = 2006–2007
| suboffice8          = [[Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson|Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs]]
| subterm8            = 2007–2010
| suboffice9          = [[Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson|Home Affairs]]
| subterm9            = 2017–2019
| suboffice10         = [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]]
| subterm10           = 2019
| suboffice11         = [[Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson|Treasury]]
| subterm11           = 2019–2020
| birth_name          = Edward Jonathan Davey
| birth_date          = {{nowrap|{{birth date and age|1965|12|25|df=y}}}}
| birth_place         = [[Mansfield]], [[Nottinghamshire]], England
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|Emily Gasson|2005}}
| children            = 2
| education           = {{plainlist|
* [[Jesus College, Oxford]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
* [[Birkbeck, University of London]] ([[MSc]])
}}
| website             = {{Official URL}}
| signature           = Ed Davey signature.svg
}}

'''Sir Edward Jonathan Davey''' (born 25 December 1965) is a British politician who has served as [[Leader of the Liberal Democrats]] since 2020.{{efn|name=fn1}} He served in the [[Cameron–Clegg coalition]] as [[Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change]] from 2012 to 2015 and as [[Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats|Deputy Leader]] to [[Jo Swinson]] in 2019. An [[The Orange Book|"Orange Book"]] liberal, he has been [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Kingston and Surbiton (UK Parliament constituency)|Kingston and Surbiton]] since 2017, a seat he previously held from 1997 to 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date =9 June 2017 |title =RESULT: Lib Dem Ed Davey takes Kingston & Surbiton seat from Conservatives – South West Londoner |url =http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/result-lib-dem-ed-davey-takes-kingston-surbiton-seat-conservatives/ |url-status =live |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170930135351/http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/result-lib-dem-ed-davey-takes-kingston-surbiton-seat-conservatives/ |archive-date =30 September 2017 |access-date =14 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="orangebook">{{cite web |year =2004 |title =Orange Blossom |url=http://www.bonkers.hall.btinternet.co.uk/liberator.html |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070707225111/http://www.bonkers.hall.btinternet.co.uk/liberator.html |archive-date =7 July 2007 |access-date=26 March 2008 |publisher=[[Liberator (magazine)|Liberator]]}}</ref>

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 worked as an economics researcher and [[financial analyst]] before being elected to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]. Davey served as a [[Liberal Democrat frontbench team|Liberal Democrat spokesperson]] to [[Charles Kennedy]], [[Menzies Campbell]] and [[Nick Clegg]] from 2005 to 2010, in various portfolios including [[Department for Education and Skills (United Kingdom)|education and skills]], [[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|trade and industry]], and [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office|foreign and Commonwealth affairs]].

In 2010, after the Liberal Democrats entered into [[Cameron–Clegg coalition|a coalition government]] with the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]], Davey served as [[Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs]] from 2010 to 2012,<ref>{{cite web |title =Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP |url =http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/sir-edward-davey/188 |url-status =live |website =UK Parliament |access-date =14 June 2017 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170722062111/http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/sir-edward-davey/188 |archive-date =22 July 2017}}</ref> and in [[David Cameron]]'s [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom|Cabinet]] as [[Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change]] from 2012 to 2015, following [[Chris Huhne]]'s resignation.<ref>{{cite web |title =Ed Davey |url =https://www.theguardian.com/profile/ed-davey |url-status =live |work =The Guardian |access-date =14 December 2017 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170710211015/https://www.theguardian.com/profile/ed-davey |archive-date =10 July 2017}}</ref> Davey focused on increasing competition in the energy market by removing [[barriers to entry]] for smaller companies, and by streamlining the process of [[customer switching]].<ref>{{cite news |title =Davey vows faster energy switching |url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24747183 |url-status =live |work =BBC News |date =31 October 2013 |access-date=10 December 2017 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180104093708/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24747183 |archive-date =4 January 2018}}</ref> He also approved the construction of [[Hinkley Point C nuclear power station]].<ref>{{cite news |title =New nuclear power plant approved |url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21839684 |url-status =live |work =BBC News |date =20 March 2013 |access-date =10 December 2017 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180103155430/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21839684 |archive-date =3 January 2018}}</ref> As postal affairs minister, Davey did not investigate the details of the [[British Post Office scandal|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 (subpostmaster)|Alan Bates]], the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance.

Davey lost his seat in the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 general election]] and was [[knight]]ed in the [[2016 New Year Honours]] for political and public service. He regained his seat in the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|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 [[2019 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election|elected unopposed]] as the [[Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats]]. After Swinson lost her seat at the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 general election]], Davey, while remaining deputy leader, served as acting leader alongside Liberal Democrat presidents [[Sal Brinton|Baroness Brinton]] and [[Mark Pack]] from December 2019 to August 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title =Jo Swinson quits as Lib Dem leader with Sir Ed Davey and Baroness Sal Brinton to take over |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/sir-ed-davey-baroness-sal-brinton-acting-lib-dem-leaders-a4312616.html |website=[[Evening Standard]] |date =13 December 2019 |access-date =13 December 2019 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20191213065101/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/sir-ed-davey-baroness-sal-brinton-acting-lib-dem-leaders-a4312616.html |archive-date =13 December 2019 |url-status =live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title =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 |url =https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/ed-davey-brinton-replace-jo-swinson-lib-dem-leader/ |publisher =[[LBC]] |access-date =13 December 2019 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20191213103823/https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/ed-davey-brinton-replace-jo-swinson-lib-dem-leader/ |archive-date =13 December 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Davey stood in the [[2020 Liberal Democrats leadership election]], in which he defeated [[Layla Moran]] with 63.5% of the vote. In his campaign he said that he would prioritise defeating the Conservatives and ruled out working with them following the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]]. With Davey as their leader, the Liberal Democrats made gains alongside [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] in the [[2024 United Kingdom local elections|2024 local elections]], where the Liberal Democrats finished second for the first time in a local election cycle since [[2009 United Kingdom local elections|2009]]. In the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]] Davey led his party both to their highest ever number of seats and to the highest number of seats for a third party since [[1923 United Kingdom general election|1923]], and was noted, with praise and criticism, for his campaign stunts. He was re-elected unopposed as Liberal Democrat leader in [[2024 Liberal Democrats leadership election|2024]] and led his party to further gains in the [[2025 United Kingdom local elections|2025 local elections]].

==Early life and career==
{{Ed Davey sidebar}}
Edward Davey was born on 25 December 1965 in [[Mansfield]], Nottinghamshire.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/sep/20/uk.society1|title=Profile: Ed Davey |first=Jackie |last=Ashley|newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 September 2004|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722181701/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/sep/20/uk.society1|archive-date=22 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About Ed Davey|url=https://www.eddavey.org/about|website=Ed Davey MP|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722181051/https://www.eddavey.org/about|archive-date=22 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Wednesday 18 March 1970, page 13</ref><ref>'Ed's story' – Liberal Democrats (YouTube)</ref> His mother, Nina Davey (née Stanbrook), died 11 years later when Davey was 15,<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siyRjkJmPHU |title=Reviving A National Party {{!}} Ed Davey On The Liberal Democrat Strategy and Philosophy |date=13 September 2023 |last=The Rest Is Politics |minutes=4:12 |access-date=24 February 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> after which he was brought up by his maternal grandparents in the village of [[Eakring]].<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey">{{cite web |url=http://www.libdems.org.uk/party/people/mr-edward-davey.html |title=Liberal Democrats: Edward Davey MP, Kingston & Surbiton |publisher=Liberal Democrats |access-date=4 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926070428/http://www.libdems.org.uk/party/people/mr-edward-davey.html |archive-date=26 September 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Davey acted as a carer for his terminally ill mother before her death, and also cared for his grandmother.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=Who is Sir Ed Davey? The Liberal Democrat leader who cared for his terminally ill mother as a child |url=https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-sir-ed-davey-the-liberal-democrat-leader-who-cared-for-his-terminally-ill-mother-as-a-child-12892620 |access-date=2 June 2024 |website=Sky News |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602135817/https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-sir-ed-davey-the-liberal-democrat-leader-who-cared-for-his-terminally-ill-mother-as-a-child-12892620 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Davey was in both the 90th Nottingham Scout group<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Saturday 20 November 1976, page 18</ref> and the 17th Nottingham [[Air Scouts (The Scout Association)|Air Scout]] group.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Saturday 15 July 1978, page 6</ref> He sang in the local church choir, St John's.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Monday 1 August 1977, page 16</ref> 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.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Saturday 3 March 1984 page 5</ref> He took A-levels in German, French and History.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Wednesday 5 September 1984, page 13</ref> One of his two brothers attended [[Trent Polytechnic]], becoming a solicitor.<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' Monday 16 September 1985, page 10</ref> After leaving school, Davey attended [[Jesus College, Oxford]],<ref name="GuardianUnlimited-EdwardDavey">{{cite news |url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/biography/0,,-1276,00.html |title=Guardian Unlimited Politics |work=The Guardian |access-date=4 September 2006 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050116233239/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/biography/0,,-1276,00.html |archive-date=16 January 2005}}</ref> where he was awarded a first class [[Bachelor of Arts|BA]] degree in [[philosophy, politics and economics]] in 1988.<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" /> He was [[Junior Common Room|JCR President]].<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" />

In 1989, he became an economics researcher for the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]],<ref name="GuardianUnlimited-EdwardDavey" /> principally to [[Alan Beith]],<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" /> the party's then-Treasury spokesman, whilst studying at [[Birkbeck College, London]],<ref name="GuardianUnlimited-EdwardDavey" /> for a [[master's degree]] (MSc) in economics.<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" /> 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 United Kingdom general election|1992 general election]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Edward Davey, MP |url=http://www.bbk.ac.uk/about-us/fellows/davey |website=Birkbeck University of London |access-date=12 July 2020 |archive-date=13 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713235241/http://www.bbk.ac.uk/about-us/fellows/davey |url-status=live}}</ref> From 1993 to 1997, he worked in [[Economic forecasting|business forecasting]] and [[market analysis]] for [[management consultancy]] firm Omega Partners.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eddavey.org/about |title=About Ed Davey |date=26 July 2017 |work=Ed Davey MP |access-date=25 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044519/http://www.eddavey.org/about |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Parliamentary career (1997–2015)==
Davey was elected to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], at his first attempt, in the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]], where he defeated [[Richard Tracey]], the sitting [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] MP for the former constituency of [[Surbiton (UK Parliament constituency)|Surbiton]], with a majority of just 56 votes, and remained the seat's MP for 18 years.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16861022 |title=Profile: Ed Davey |work=BBC News |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=3 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206010128/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16861022 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="Hansard-DaveyMaiden">{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo970606/debtext/70606-14.htm#70606-14_spnew3 |title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 6 June 1997 (pt 14) |publisher=[[Hansard]] |date=6 July 1997 |access-date=31 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827142805/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmhansrd/vo970606/debtext/70606-14.htm#70606-14_spnew3 |archive-date=27 August 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref name="EDM1206">{{cite web |title=Early day motion 1206 – The Greenwich Judgement |url=http://www.parliament.uk/edm/1997-98/1206 |website=Parliament.uk |access-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013103/http://www.parliament.uk/edm/1997-98/1206 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001, he opposed government proposals for restrictions on [[gambling machine]]s, which he described as a "silly bit of [[nanny state]] politics".<ref>{{cite web|title=News release from Edward Davey – Gaming in Social clubs|url=http://www.cix.co.uk/~ldsk/news129.htm|website=www.cix.co.uk|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050513020855/http://www.cix.co.uk/~ldsk/news129.htm|archive-date=13 May 2005|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Early day motion 259 – GAMING MACHINES IN CLUBS|url=https://www.parliament.uk/edm/2001-02/259|website=UK Parliament|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055307/https://www.parliament.uk/edm/2001-02/259|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Early day motion 222 – GAMING LAWS|url=https://www.parliament.uk/edm/2001-02/222|website=UK Parliament|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024145/https://www.parliament.uk/edm/2001-02/222|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust|St George's NHS healthcare trust]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2641657.stm|title=NHS boss sacked for 'whistleblowing'|date=2003|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202031143/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2641657.stm|archive-date=2 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/jan/09/hospitals.nhsstaff|title=Hospital finance director 'sacked for whistleblowing'|last=Hall|first=Sarah|date=9 January 2003|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815090943/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/jan/09/hospitals.nhsstaff|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Davey condemned the NHS bureaucracy as "[[Stalinist]]" and called for an inquiry into Perkin's case,<ref>{{cite news|last=Hawkes|first=Nigel|title=NHS chief sacked for exposing 'fiddle'|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/nhs-chief-sacked-for-exposing-fiddle-5gbcpqsb3pr|date=2003|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=14 August 2018|issn=0140-0460|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055314/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nhs-chief-sacked-for-exposing-fiddle-5gbcpqsb3pr|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2003/01/finance-directors-sacking-highlights-stalinist-nhs-says-mp|title=Finance directors sacking highlights Stalinist NHS, says MP {{!}} Public Finance|website=www.publicfinance.co.uk|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055253/https://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2003/01/finance-directors-sacking-highlights-stalinist-nhs-says-mp|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> while personally meeting trust executives to discuss the case on behalf of Perkin.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/best-law-firms/profile-legal/article/blow-the-whistle-and-youre-history-nsf538wv66h|title=Blow the whistle and you're history|last=Gornall|first=Jonathan|date=10 February 2004|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=14 August 2018|issn=0140-0460|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024600/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/blow-the-whistle-and-youre-history-nsf538wv66h|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2003, Davey introduced the clause which repealed the prohibition of "promotion of homosexuality" under [[Section 28]] of the [[Local Government Act 1988]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmstand/a/st030213/am/30213s07.htm#end|title=House of Commons Standing Committee A (pt 7)|work=parliament.uk|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422212920/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmstand/a/st030213/am/30213s07.htm#end|archive-date=22 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The legislation was repealed in March.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/2837515.stm|title=Tories lose Section 28 vote|date=11 March 2003|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427022152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2837515.stm|archive-date=27 April 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> He was one of the contributors to ''[[The Orange Book]]'' (2004).<ref name="autogenerated1" />

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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4714660.stm|title=In full: How MPs voted|date=14 February 2006|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507122335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4714660.stm|archive-date=7 May 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> He called the ban "a bit too nanny state".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/687163.Smoking_ban_with_love/|title=Smoking ban with love|website=East London and West Essex Guardian Series|date=10 February 2006 |access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041533/http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/687163.Smoking_ban_with_love/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/694973.Pubs_____We___ll_cope_with_smoke_ban___/|title=Pubs: 'We'll cope with smoke ban'|website=Watford Observer|date=24 February 2006 |access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815025043/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/694973.Pubs_____We___ll_cope_with_smoke_ban___/|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In an article for the ''[[Financial Times]]'' in 2007, Davey and [[London School of Economics|LSE]] economist [[Tim Leunig]] proposed a new system of community land auctions through [[First-price sealed-bid auction|sealed bids]] with a new tax, to take place before the land was given [[Planning permission in the United Kingdom|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 [[Home construction|development]] and the revenue then used to lower other taxation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davey |first1=Edward |last2=Leunig |first2=Tim |date=24 July 2007 |title=Auction land to ease the housing crisis |url=https://www.ft.com/content/516ecf08-3a0f-11dc-9d73-0000779fd2ac |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040936/https://www.ft.com/content/516ecf08-3a0f-11dc-9d73-0000779fd2ac |archive-date=1 December 2017 |access-date=19 November 2017 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Ricketts |first=Simon |others=Field, Duncan. |title=Localism and planning |publisher=Bloomsbury Professional |date=2012 |location=Haywards Heath |isbn=9781847669452 |oclc=769473127}}</ref>

===Lib Dem spokesperson===
[[File:Ed Davey 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Davey in 2008|left]]
Following Davey's election to parliament in 1997, he was appointed as the Lib Dem's spokesman on [[HM Treasury|Treasury Affairs]]. He added the post of [[Whip (politics)|whip]] in 1998, and as the spokesman on London from 2000.

Davey was re-elected in the [[2001 United Kingdom general election|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 (British politician)|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 [[Chief Secretary to the Treasury|Treasury matters]]. In 2002, he became the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the [[Office of the Deputy Prime Minister]]. He was appointed spokesperson for [[Secretary of State for Education|Education and Skills]] in 2005, before becoming spokesperson for [[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Trade and Industry]] in March 2006. In December 2006, he succeeded [[Norman Lamb]] as Chief of Staff to [[Menzies Campbell]], the new party leader.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> 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.<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" />

On 26 February 2008, Davey was [[suspension from the UK parliament|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 [[Brexit|UK should have a referendum on staying in the EU]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lib Dem ordered out of EU debate |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7265516.stm |work=BBC News |date=26 February 2008 |access-date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303005914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7265516.stm |archive-date=3 March 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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",<ref>[https://iaindale.blogspot.com/2009/09/ed-davey-tea-with-taleban.html Ed Davey & Tea With the Taleban] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414181141/http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2009/09/ed-davey-tea-with-taleban.html |date=14 April 2010}} Iain Dale's Diary, 20 September 2009</ref> a comment echoed by [[Malala Yousafzai]] four years later to the BBC.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malala: We must talk to the Taliban to get peace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24333273 |access-date=28 March 2014 |work=BBC News |date=7 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220005126/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24333273 |archive-date=20 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Ministerial career (2010–2015)==

===Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business (2010–2012)===
[[File:Edward Davey (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Davey's portrait as Minister for Employment Relations, circa 2012]]
Following the [[Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition agreement]], after the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]], Davey was appointed [[Parliamentary under-secretary of state]] in the [[Department for Business, Innovation and Skills]]<ref>[http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/government-business/government-ministers-responsibilities.aspx Government ministers and responsibilities] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110121054/http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/government-business/government-ministers-responsibilities.aspx |date=10 November 2010}} Cabinet Office</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8675705.stm |title=Cameron's government: A guide to who's who|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024181610/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8675705.stm |archive-date=24 October 2021 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |date=30 May 2010}}</ref> with responsibility for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs.<ref>[http://www.bis.gov.uk/ministers/edward-davey Edward Davey] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619080603/http://www.bis.gov.uk/ministers/edward-davey |date=19 June 2010}} Department for Business, Innovation and Skills</ref><ref>[http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/05/20/55645/ed-davey-is-new-employment-minister.html Ed Davey is new employment minister] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524075619/http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/05/20/55645/ed-davey-is-new-employment-minister.html |date=24 May 2010}} Personnel Today, 20 May 2010</ref> In addition, he was appointed as the [[Minister of State for Trade Policy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministerial-responsibilities-announced-at-the-department-for-business-innovation-and-skills--2|title=Ministerial responsibilities announced at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills|work=GOV.UK|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503180151/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministerial-responsibilities-announced-at-the-department-for-business-innovation-and-skills--2|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-secretary-welcomes-free-trade-agreement-signature|title=Business Secretary welcomes Free Trade Agreement signature|work=GOV.UK|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503180332/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-secretary-welcomes-free-trade-agreement-signature|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmbis/735/11031002.htm|title=House of Commons – Business, Innovation and Skills Committee – Minutes of Evidence|last=Commons|first=The Committee Office, House of|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503111708/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmbis/735/11031002.htm|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[Public service|services]] and a [[digital single market]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jan/02/tory-eurosceptics-lib-dems-europe|title=Coalition MPs in bid to find common agenda on European policy|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|date=2 January 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132121/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jan/02/tory-eurosceptics-lib-dems-europe|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/politics/2013/05/eurosceptic-tories-are-damaging-national-interest-and-their-chances-winnin|title=Eurosceptic Tories are damaging the national interest – and their chances of winning the next election|website=www.newstatesman.com|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233357/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/politics/2013/05/eurosceptic-tories-are-damaging-national-interest-and-their-chances-winnin|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/likeminded-european-ministers-meet-to-talk-about-growth|title=Likeminded European Ministers meet to talk about growth|website=www.gov.uk|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032523/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/likeminded-european-ministers-meet-to-talk-about-growth|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite book|title=The coalition effect, 2010–2015|others=Seldon, Anthony,, Finn, Mike|isbn=9781139946551|location=Cambridge|oclc=906945736|last1 = Seldon|first1 = Anthony|last2=Finn|first2=Mike|year=2015}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> He was involved in the provisional application phase of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-korea/eu-south-korea-trade-pact-to-boost-local-firms-minister-idUKTRE75T63E20110630|title=EU – South Korea trade pact to boost local firms – minister|last=Croft|first=Adrian|work=U.K.|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503113059/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-korea/eu-south-korea-trade-pact-to-boost-local-firms-minister-idUKTRE75T63E20110630|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmgeneral/deleg3/120117/120117s01.htm|title=House of Commons General Committee : Draft European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement) Order 2011 (17 January 2012)|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503112417/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmgeneral/deleg3/120117/120117s01.htm|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2010/355/pdfs/ukia_20100355_en.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503112001/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2010/355/pdfs/ukia_20100355_en.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2011, he faced protests by [[postal worker]]s in his Kingston and Surbiton constituency for his role in the privatisation of [[Royal Mail]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/postal-workers-to-protest-against-privatisation-2190828.html|title=Postal workers to protest against privatisation|date=21 January 2011|work=The Independent|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040111/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/postal-workers-to-protest-against-privatisation-2190828.html|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/may/11/unions-attack-plans-to-reform-employment-laws|title=Unions attack plans to reform employment laws|last1=Mulholland|first1=Hélène|date=11 May 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=19 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081358/https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/may/11/unions-attack-plans-to-reform-employment-laws|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/8505984/Sackings-to-be-made-easier-and-payouts-cut-in-war-on-red-tape.html|title=Sackings to be made easier and payouts cut in war on red tape|last=Kirkup|first=James|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 May 2011|access-date=19 November 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203043915/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/8505984/Sackings-to-be-made-easier-and-payouts-cut-in-war-on-red-tape.html|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-12182648|title=Retirement plan to 'boost economy'|work=BBC News|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103035227/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-12182648/government-s-retirement-plan-to-boost-economy|archive-date=3 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tackling-employment-law-red-tape--2|title=Tackling employment law red tape – GOV.UK|website=www.gov.uk|access-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201061203/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tackling-employment-law-red-tape--2|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

As Minister for Postal Affairs, Davey did not investigate the details of the [[British Post Office scandal|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 (subpostmaster)|Alan Bates]], the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, with this meeting taking place in October 2010.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/08/ed-davey-accuses-post-office-of-conspiracy-of-lies-as-he-defends-role-in-scandal|title=Ed Davey attacks Post Office 'conspiracy of lies' as he defends role in scandal|first=Pippa|last=Crerar|date=8 January 2024|access-date=24 January 2024|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/the-post-office-horizon-scandal|title=The Post Office Horizon Scandal|website=www.libdems.org.uk|access-date=24 January 2024|archive-date=17 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133430/https://www.libdems.org.uk/the-post-office-horizon-scandal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67892045|title=Post Office misled me about scandal, insists Ed Davey|date=5 January 2024|access-date=24 January 2024|work=BBC News|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125041048/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67892045|url-status=live}}</ref> Following criticism in 2024, Davey expressed regret and said that he had been misled by [[Post Office Limited|Post Office]] officials.<ref>{{cite web |last=Soteriou|first=Emma |date=3 January 2024 |title='I regret not asking tougher questions': Former postal minister Ed Davey breaks silence on Horizon scandal|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/horizon-scandal-ed-davey-former-postal-minister-breaks-silence/|access-date=4 January 2024 |publisher=LBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/what-is-britains-post-office-scandal-2024-01-09/|title=Explainer: What is Britain's Post Office scandal?|first=Sachin |last=Ravikumar|date=10 January 2024|access-date=10 January 2024|work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gutteridge |first1=Nick |last2=Penna |first2=Dominic |date=9 January 2024 |title=Pressure on Ed Davey over knighthood after Post Office boss hands back CBE |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/01/09/ed-davey-paula-vennells-post-office-horizon-it-scandal |work=The Telegraph |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110200949/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/01/09/ed-davey-paula-vennells-post-office-horizon-it-scandal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Davey said he was "completely surprised" as to why the Conservatives had awarded Vennells a CBE in 2019.<ref name="auto"/>

===Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (2012–2015)===
[[File:Prime Minister of Japan (13895756480).jpg|left|thumb|Davey as Energy Secretary (right) with Prime Minister of Japan [[Shinzō Abe]], 2014]]
[[File:Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, UK (7555125784).jpg|thumb|left|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 (United Kingdom)|Privy Council]] on 8 February.<ref>Court Circular for 8 February 2012.</ref> As Secretary of State, Davey also became a member of the [[National Security Council (United Kingdom)|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]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/ed-davey-denies-he-is-after-cleggs-job|title=Ed Davey denies he is after Clegg's job|last=Rigby|first=Jennifer|date=23 September 2012|work=Channel 4 News|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201080943/https://www.channel4.com/news/ed-davey-denies-he-is-after-cleggs-job|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 power|nuclear energy]], liberalisation of the European energy market, a global [[carbon market]], trade in energy, [[Carbon capture and storage|carbon capture]] technology, [[Efficient energy use|energy efficiency]], and competition.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite book|title=Rescuing EU emissions trading: the climate policy flagship|last=Wettestad|first=Jørgen|others=Jevnaker, Torbjørg|isbn=9781137566744|location=London|oclc=950884581|date = 25 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite book|title=Energy transformation : an opportunity for Europe|last=Claude|first=Turmes|others=Zeitoun, Jérémie|isbn=9781785902574|location=London|oclc=996422652|year = 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/green-growth-group-ministers-statement-on-2030-energy-climate-policy-framework|title=Green Growth Group Ministers' statement – next steps on the EU 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework – GOV.UK|website=GOV.UK|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071758/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/green-growth-group-ministers-statement-on-2030-energy-climate-policy-framework|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>https://www.ippr.org/files/images/media/files/event/2014/02/speech-Davey-as-delivered_140213.pdf {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233245/https://www.ippr.org/files/images/media/files/event/2014/02/speech-Davey-as-delivered_140213.pdf |date=19 July 2018}} Page 3</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-speech-ambitious-and-flexible-europes-2030-framework-for-emissions-reduction|title=Edward Davey speech: Ambitious and Flexible – Europe's 2030 Framework for Emissions Reduction – GOV.UK|website=GOV.UK|date=18 June 2013 |access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123639/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-speech-ambitious-and-flexible-europes-2030-framework-for-emissions-reduction|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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".<ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/opening-up-the-energy-markets-speech-to-energy-uk|title=Opening up the energy markets; speech to Energy UK – GOV.UK|website=GOV.UK|date=12 November 2013 |access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071909/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/opening-up-the-energy-markets-speech-to-energy-uk|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24747183|title=Davey vows faster energy switching|date=31 October 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104093708/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24747183|archive-date=4 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24511829|title='Massive' energy investment expected|date=13 October 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009043951/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24511829|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/davey-woos-china-over-nuclear-plants-x5gcbvldkbq|title=Davey woos China over nuclear plants|last=Fortson|first=Danny|date=8 September 2013|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=2 May 2018|issn=0956-1382|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503112152/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/davey-woos-china-over-nuclear-plants-x5gcbvldkbq|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/5521ad70-23a4-11e3-98a1-00144feab7de|title=Davey looks to drum up Chinese investment into Britain's future power|work=Financial Times|date=22 September 2013|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503113124/https://www.ft.com/content/5521ad70-23a4-11e3-98a1-00144feab7de|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-minister-visits-korea-for-the-green-partnership-with-korea|title=UK Minister Visits Korea for Green Partnership with Korea|work=GOV.UK|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503111420/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-minister-visits-korea-for-the-green-partnership-with-korea|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 [[Sweater|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 [[10 Downing Street|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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Chris |title=Jumpergate – the story that wasn't |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24586951 |url-status=live |work=BBC News |date=18 October 2013 |access-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027134402/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24586951 |archive-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/energy-bills-jumpergate-is-unravelling-10431031|title=Energy Bills: Jumpergate Is Unravelling|publisher=Sky News|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143705/https://news.sky.com/story/energy-bills-jumpergate-is-unravelling-10431031|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/westminster-diary-w9h0wvnm22c|title=Westminster Diary|last=Trenenan|first=Ann|date=19 October 2013|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=13 February 2018|issn=0140-0460|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143703/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/westminster-diary-w9h0wvnm22c|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/18/downing-street-jumpers-energy-bills_n_4121009.html|title=No. 10 Solves Energy Bill Crisis With Jumper Idea|date=18 October 2013|work=HuffPost UK|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215204016/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/18/downing-street-jumpers-energy-bills_n_4121009.html|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/household-bills/10388368/Downing-Street-People-faced-with-rising-energy-bills-should-consider-wearing-jumpers.html|title=Downing Street: People faced with rising energy bills should consider wearing jumpers|last=Swinford|first=Steven|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 October 2013|access-date=13 February 2018|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083729/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/household-bills/10388368/Downing-Street-People-faced-with-rising-energy-bills-should-consider-wearing-jumpers.html|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cut-energy-bills-putting-jumper-2468049|title=Unravelling: David Cameron left sweating as voters hit out at 'put a jumper on' energy advice|last=Hiscott|first=Graham|date=18 October 2013|work=mirror|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143619/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cut-energy-bills-putting-jumper-2468049|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/government-offers-woolly-advice-in-energy-row|title=Government offers woolly advice in energy row|work=Channel 4 News|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083831/https://www.channel4.com/news/government-offers-woolly-advice-in-energy-row|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-macintyres-sketch-rejoice-we-ve-surrendered-our-power-to-france-and-china-8895290.html|title=Donald Macintyre's Sketch: Rejoice! We've surrendered our power to|date=21 October 2013|work=The Independent|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215085211/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-macintyres-sketch-rejoice-we-ve-surrendered-our-power-to-france-and-china-8895290.html|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, Davey called for the [[G7]] to begin reduction of dependency on [[Russia in the European energy sector|Russian energy]] following the [[Revolution of Dignity]] and commencement of the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/10778864/Ed-Davey-Russia-holding-world-to-ransom-over-energy.html|title=Ed Davey: Russia holding world to ransom over energy|last=Collins|first=Nick|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 April 2014|access-date=14 February 2018|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083730/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/10778864/Ed-Davey-Russia-holding-world-to-ransom-over-energy.html|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Davey argued the benefits of investment in [[Wind farm|onshore wind]] energy from companies such as [[Siemens]] was a key part of the push to reduce dependence on Russian energy,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/mar/25/offshore-windfarms-vital-tensions-russia-ed-davey|title=Offshore windfarms vital amid tensions with Russia, says energy secretary|last=Macalister|first=Terry|date=25 March 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143656/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/mar/25/offshore-windfarms-vital-tensions-russia-ed-davey|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> while "more diversified supplies of gas" including [[Shale gas in the United States|from the US]] and domestic [[shale gas]] would also help.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-russia-energy/uk-says-world-needs-to-cut-dependence-on-russian-gas-calls-for-g7-action-idUSL6N0NE23S20140422|title=UK says world needs to cut dependence on Russian gas, calls for G7...|date=22 April 2014|publisher=Reuters|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143552/https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-russia-energy/uk-says-world-needs-to-cut-dependence-on-russian-gas-calls-for-g7-action-idUSL6N0NE23S20140422|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2014 at a meeting in Rome, G7 energy ministers including Davey agreed formally to a process for reducing dependency on Russian energy; "[[Vladimir Putin|Putin]] has crossed a line", Davey declared.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-g7-russia-energy/g7-to-begin-reducing-russian-energy-dependency-ed-davey-idUKKBN0DM0WG20140506|title=G7 to begin reducing Russian energy dependency – Ed Davey|date=6 May 2014|publisher=Reuters|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083932/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-g7-russia-energy/g7-to-begin-reducing-russian-energy-dependency-ed-davey-idUKKBN0DM0WG20140506|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/liberaldemocrats/10679703/Ed-Davey-Tory-climate-sceptics-need-to-shut-it.html|title=Ed Davey: Tory climate sceptics need to 'shut it'|last=Dominiczak|first=Peter|work=The Telegraph|date=6 March 2014|access-date=10 December 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225223416/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/liberaldemocrats/10679703/Ed-Davey-Tory-climate-sceptics-need-to-shut-it.html|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/nigel-lawson-rejecting-ideology|title=Nigel Lawson: Rejecting the ideology|date=1 May 2014|work=TotalPolitics.com|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210231826/https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/nigel-lawson-rejecting-ideology|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and he was lampooned by ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' sketch writer [[Michael Deacon (journalist)|Michael Deacon]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10488495/Sketch-Davey-Davey-give-me-your-answer-do.html|title=Sketch: Davey, Davey, give me your answer do|last=Deacon|first=Michael|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=2 December 2013|access-date=10 December 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225230034/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10488495/Sketch-Davey-Davey-give-me-your-answer-do.html|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also criticised by left-wing figures such as [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green]] MP for [[Brighton Pavilion (UK Parliament constituency)|Brighton Pavilion]] [[Caroline Lucas]] over his support of [[fracking]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2012/mar/21/ed-davey-gas|title=Ed Davey's dash for gas will not help UK meet carbon targets Caroline Lucas|last=Lucas|first=Caroline|date=21 March 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 December 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210124026/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2012/mar/21/ed-davey-gas|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and by the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] [[Ed Miliband]] for Davey's warning that Labour's price control policy would cause [[Power outage|blackouts]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/californias-blackout-could-reach-britain-under-price-cap-plan-0l7vkszxjxq|title=California's blackout could reach Britain under price cap plan|last=Webb|first=Tim|date=26 September 2013|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=10 December 2017|issn=0140-0460|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071832/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/californias-blackout-could-reach-britain-under-price-cap-plan-0l7vkszxjxq|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":6" /> 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".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2012/02/britain-and-environment|title=Britain's Green-minded climate change minister resigns: why that's good for the environment|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=10 December 2017|date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123652/https://www.economist.com/blogs/bagehot/2012/02/britain-and-environment|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Leunig|first=Tim|date=1 June 2012|title=The Liberal Democrats and Supply-Side Economics|journal=Economic Affairs|volume=32|issue=2|pages=17–20|doi=10.1111/j.1468-0270.2012.02149.x|s2cid=153972296|issn=1468-0270}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":5">{{cite book|title=Hearts and minds : the battle for the Conservative Party from Thatcher to the present|last=Letwin|first=Oliver|year=2017|isbn=9781785903113|location=London|pages=176|oclc=994417960}}</ref>

Leading up to the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 general election]], Davey was viewed by various sources as a potential successor to Clegg.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dem-peers-see-ed-davey-as-next-party-leader-10016103.html|title=Lib Dem peers see Ed Davey as next party leader|date=1 February 2015|work=The Independent|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043413/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dem-peers-see-ed-davey-as-next-party-leader-10016103.html|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/liberaldemocrats/10107778/Is-Nick-Clegg-the-Tories-biggest-headache.html|title=Is Nick Clegg the Tories' biggest headache?|last=Martin|first=Iain|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=9 June 2013|access-date=18 November 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203032905/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/liberaldemocrats/10107778/Is-Nick-Clegg-the-Tories-biggest-headache.html|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/31d61330-c74d-11e4-8e1f-00144feab7de|title=Nick Clegg's likely successor prepares to rebuild Lib Dems|work=Financial Times|date=12 March 2015|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519083722/https://www.ft.com/content/31d61330-c74d-11e4-8e1f-00144feab7de|archive-date=19 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://iaindale.com/posts/2015/04/04/future-leaders-series-1-who-will-succeed-nick-clegg|title=Future Leaders Series 1: Who Will Succeed Nick Clegg?|website=iaindale.com|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031548/http://iaindale.com/posts/2015/04/04/future-leaders-series-1-who-will-succeed-nick-clegg|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/by/gary-gibbon/blogs/ed-davey-the-lowdown-from-a-possible-future-lib-dem-leader|title=Ed Davey: The lowdown from a possible future Lib Dem leader|work=Channel 4 News|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043458/https://www.channel4.com/news/by/gary-gibbon/blogs/ed-davey-the-lowdown-from-a-possible-future-lib-dem-leader|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/by/gary-gibbon/blogs/18186-2|title=Is Clegg anointing his heir?|work=Channel 4 News|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031412/https://www.channel4.com/news/by/gary-gibbon/blogs/18186-2|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Parliamentary career (2017–present)==
===2015 general election===
At the 2015 general election, Davey was defeated by [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] candidate [[James Berry (barrister)|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 [[Portillo moment|Michael Portillo in 1997]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Mikey |last2=Beament |first2=Emily |date=8 May 2015 |title=Ed Davey becomes first cabinet minister to lose seat since 1997 |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ed-davey-becomes-first-cabinet-5657705 |access-date=13 March 2023 |work=Daily Mirror |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173451/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ed-davey-becomes-first-cabinet-5657705 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite news |last=Edmonds |first=Lizzie |date=8 May 2015 |title=Kingston and Surbiton election result: Lib Dem Ed Davey loses seat to |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/kingston-and-surbiton-election-result-lib-dem-ed-davey-loses-seat-to-conservatives-10234450.html |access-date=13 March 2023 |website=Evening Standard |archive-date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518114029/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/kingston-and-surbiton-election-result-lib-dem-ed-davey-loses-seat-to-conservatives-10234450.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the end of 2015, he accepted a [[Knight Bachelor|knighthood]] for 'political and public service' which was announced in the [[2016 New Year Honours]] list.<ref name=LG301215/>

===Return to Parliament===
[[File:Official portrait of Sir Edward Davey crop 2.jpg|thumb|MP portrait, 2017]]
Davey regained Kingston and Surbiton for the Liberal Democrats at the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 general election]], with a majority of 4,124 votes over Berry.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000770 |title=Kingston & Surbiton parliamentary constituency – Election 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=31 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925233752/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000770 |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon his return to Parliament, Davey was considered a possible candidate for the [[2017 Liberal Democrats leadership election|2017 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 centrism|radical centrists]] in Canada, France and the Netherlands".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/27/ed-davey-rules-out-standing-for-lib-dem-leadership|title=Ed Davey rules out standing for Lib Dem leadership|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|date=27 June 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=18 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131457/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/27/ed-davey-rules-out-standing-for-lib-dem-leadership|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Davey was then the [[Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson]], having previously served as [[Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson]] from 2017 to 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/ed_davey|title=Ed Davey|date=27 April 2017|access-date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131254/https://www.libdems.org.uk/ed_davey|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2019 leadership bid and 2019 general election===
{{Main article|2019 Liberal Democrats leadership election}}

Following the [[2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|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 [[2019 Liberal Democrats leadership election|party leadership contest]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Maidment |first=Jack |date=24 May 2019 |title=Sir Vince Cable triggers Lib Dem leadership contest with new leader set to be in place by July 23 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/24/sir-vince-cable-triggers-lib-dem-leadership-contest-new-leader/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530105834/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/24/sir-vince-cable-triggers-lib-dem-leadership-contest-new-leader/ |archive-date=30 May 2019 |access-date=30 May 2019 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]}}</ref> Davey announced his candidacy for the role on 30 May, stating his belief that action must be taken in Parliament to prevent a [[Brexit negotiations#"No-deal" as a negotiating position|"no deal" Brexit]], and highlighting his support for stronger action to limit [[global warming]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |date=30 May 2019 |title='We have to stop no-deal': Ed Davey kicks off Lib Dem leadership bid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/30/we-have-to-stop-no-deal-ed-davey-kicks-off-lib-dem-leadership-bid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530071547/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/30/we-have-to-stop-no-deal-ed-davey-kicks-off-lib-dem-leadership-bid |archive-date=30 May 2019 |access-date=30 May 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=White |first=Megan |date=30 May 2019 |title=Lib Dem leadership race: Sir Ed Davey announces his candidacy to succeed Sir Vince Cable |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/lib-dem-leadership-race-sir-ed-davey-announces-his-candidacy-to-succeed-sir-vince-cable-a4154691.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530095553/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/lib-dem-leadership-race-sir-ed-davey-announces-his-candidacy-to-succeed-sir-vince-cable-a4154691.html |archive-date=30 May 2019 |access-date=30 May 2019 |work=[[London Evening Standard]]}}</ref> Davey lost this race to [[Jo Swinson]], with 36.9% of the vote to Swinson's 63.1%.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 July 2019 |title=Lib Dems: Jo Swinson elected new leader |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49076118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722203453/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49076118 |archive-date=22 July 2019 |access-date=22 July 2019 |work=BBC News}}</ref> On 3 September 2019, Davey was elected as Swinson's deputy leader.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1168981147101073408 |user=EdwardJDavey |title=News: thrilled to be entrusted by parliamentary colleagues to be @LibDems Deputy Leader |first=Ed |last=Davey |date=3 September 2019 |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pack |first=Mark |date=3 September 2019 |title=Ed Davey is the new Liberal Democrat deputy leader |url=https://www.markpack.org.uk/159650/ed-davey-is-the-new-liberal-democrat-deputy-leader/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905092711/https://www.markpack.org.uk/159650/ed-davey-is-the-new-liberal-democrat-deputy-leader/ |archive-date=5 September 2019 |access-date=12 September 2019 |website=Markpack.org.uk}}</ref>

Davey was reelected in the 2019 general election, winning over 50% of the vote in Kingston and Surbiton for the first time since 2005. Following Jo Swinson's resignation as a result of losing her seat in [[2019 United Kingdom general election|the 2019 general election]], Davey became interim co-leader alongside the party president (at first [[Sal Brinton|Baroness Brinton]], and then [[Mark Pack, Baron Pack|Mark Pack]]).{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

==Leader of the Liberal Democrats (2020–present)==
===2020 leadership bid===
{{main|2020 Liberal Democrats leadership election}}

[[File:Ed Davey (2020) for leader logo.png|thumb|Davey's leadership bid logo|left]]
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]]".<ref name="ed">{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Peter |title=Ed Davey: my experience as a carer can help rebuild Britain after coronavirus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/04/ed-davey-my-experience-as-a-carer-can-help-rebuild-britain-after-coronavirus |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |date=4 June 2020 |access-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604075559/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/04/ed-davey-my-experience-as-a-carer-can-help-rebuild-britain-after-coronavirus |archive-date=4 June 2020}}</ref> He proposed the establishment of a [[Universal basic income|basic income]] to support carers, and said that the Liberal Democrats should be "the party of social care".<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Davey launches Liberal Democrat leadership bid|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2020/06/04/davey-launches-liberal-democrat-leadership-bid/|date=4 June 2020|access-date=4 June 2020|website=Shropshire Star|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604090902/https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2020/06/04/davey-launches-liberal-democrat-leadership-bid/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="stone endorsement">{{cite web|date=4 June 2020|title=Ed Davey pledges citizen's basic income for carers as he launches Lib Dem leadership campaign|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dem-leadership-policies-citizens-basic-income-carers-a9549211.html|last=Woodcock|first=Andrew|access-date=24 June 2020|website=The Independent|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621190419/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dem-leadership-policies-citizens-basic-income-carers-a9549211.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Read|first=Jonathon|date=13 July 2020|title=Ed Davey says he is 'anti-Conservative' and will work with Keir Starmer to oust Boris Johnson|url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-on-keir-starmer-and-boris-johnson-1-6742995|access-date=26 July 2020|website=The New European|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726104417/https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-on-keir-starmer-and-boris-johnson-1-6742995|url-status=live}}</ref> He proposed a plan to reduce [[carbon emissions]] from domestic flights to zero by 2030 through investment in research and technology.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 July 2020|title=Lib Dems' Ed Davey calls for zero carbon domestic flights by 2030|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/ed-davey-zero-carbon-domestic-flights-2030-557379|access-date=26 July 2020|website=inews.co.uk|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726113120/https://inews.co.uk/news/ed-davey-zero-carbon-domestic-flights-2030-557379|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":6" />
[[File:Official portrait of Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP crop 2.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Read|first=Jonathon|title=POLL: Who gets your backing in the Lib Dem leadership election?|url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-or-layla-moran-which-lib-dem-gets-your-vote-1-6764865|access-date=15 August 2020|website=The New European|date=27 July 2020|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809084821/https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-or-layla-moran-which-lib-dem-gets-your-vote-1-6764865|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="turning left">{{cite web|title=Layla Moran on turning left and whether the Lib Dems should go into coalition again|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2020/07/layla-moran-turning-left-and-whether-lib-dems-should-go-coalition-again|access-date=26 July 2020|website=[[New Statesman]]|date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726084925/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2020/07/layla-moran-turning-left-and-whether-lib-dems-should-go-coalition-again|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[The Orange Book|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Was Ed Davey 'a bit right-wing' for a Tory coalition partner?|url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/was-ed-davey-a-bit-right-wing-for-a-tory-coalition-partner-|date=4 July 2020|author=Steerpike|website=The Spectator|access-date=15 August 2020|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805163205/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/was-ed-davey-a-bit-right-wing-for-a-tory-coalition-partner-|url-status=live}}</ref>

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."<ref name="GuardianResult">{{cite news|last=Stewart|first=Heather|date=27 August 2020|title=Ed Davey elected Liberal Democrat leader|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/27/ed-davey-elected-liberal-democrat-leader|access-date=27 August 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827115727/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/27/ed-davey-elected-liberal-democrat-leader|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBCresult">{{cite news|title=Sir Ed Davey wins Liberal Democrats leadership election|date=27 August 2020|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53933470|access-date=27 August 2020|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827104202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53933470|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under Davey's leadership, the Liberal Democrats made gains in local elections alongside Labour, with both parties making gains in the [[2023 United Kingdom local elections|2023 local elections]] and made further gains in the [[2024 United Kingdom local elections|2024 local elections]], where the Liberal Democrats finished second for the first time in a local election cycle since [[2009 United Kingdom local elections|2009]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Britain's Conservatives trounced in local elections as Labour makes gains |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/4/britains-conservatives-trounced-in-local |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |archive-date=16 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516100659/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/4/britains-conservatives-trounced-in-local |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2024 general election campaign stunts and seat victories ===
{{Main|2024 United Kingdom general election}}
{{Blockquote|text=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.|author=Ed Davey after the general election was called, May 2024}}
[[File:Prime Minister's Questions, 24 July 2024 26.jpg|thumb|Davey speaking during [[Prime Minister's Questions]], 24 July 2024]]
Davey led his party in the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]], and was noted, with praise and criticism, for his campaign stunts.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Lib Dems aim to grab attention with campaign stunts |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c844p844eqxo |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=BBC News |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615124843/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c844p844eqxo |url-status=live }}</ref> When visiting [[Windermere]], Davey fell off his [[Paddleboarding|paddleboard]], whilst campaigning to highlight the political issue of [[sewage discharge in the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Rawlinson |first=Kevin |date=28 May 2024 |title=Stunts, sewage and serious messaging: Lib Dems hope to capitalise on outrage at water pollution |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/28/stunts-sewage-and-serious-messaging-lib-dems-hope-to-capitalise-on-outrage-at-water-pollution |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=15 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615124843/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/28/stunts-sewage-and-serious-messaging-lib-dems-hope-to-capitalise-on-outrage-at-water-pollution |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 in the United Kingdom#Children and adolescents|mental health among children]]. When visiting [[Eastbourne (UK Parliament constituency)|Eastbourne]], Davey did a bungee jump, asking people to "take the plunge" and vote Liberal Democrat.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 July 2024 |title=Lib Dems plunge head first into final week of campaign |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp6871w1lzko |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=BBC News |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703010919/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp6871w1lzko |url-status=live }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/ed-davey-stunt-lib-dems-election-b2554371.html |title=Ed Davey rides rubber ring on waterslide as Lib Dems campaign about children's mental health |date=31 May 2024 |last=Patrick |first=Holly |access-date=1 June 2024 |via=www.independent.co.uk |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601145443/https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/ed-davey-stunt-lib-dems-election-b2554371.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Davey also spoke on his experience as a carer both for his mother when he was a child, and contemporarily for his son. This included an election broadcast focusing on his caring responsibilities, with Davey stating that the Liberal Democrat manifesto put health and care at the centre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sir Ed Davey: We felt we had a duty to talk about caring for our disabled son |url=https://news.sky.com/story/sir-ed-davey-we-felt-we-had-a-duty-to-talk-about-caring-for-our-disabled-son-13158142 |access-date=1 January 2025 |website=Sky News }}</ref>

On 10 June 2024, Davey launched the Liberal Democrat [[manifesto]], titled ''[[For a Fair Deal]]'', in London.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 June 2024 |title=General Election 2024: A quick take on the Lib Dem's manifesto |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ce44z03r3e3o |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=BBC News }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |date=10 June 2024 |title=Ed Davey says Lib Dems would fight for UK to rejoin EU and one day overturn Brexit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dem-general-election-eu-b2559865.html |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=The Independent |archive-date=10 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610144025/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dem-general-election-eu-b2559865.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Midway through the campaign, opinion pollsters [[YouGov]] found that 35% of Liberal Democrat voters did not recognise a photograph of Davey.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49836-one-in-three-lib-dem-voters-dont-recognise-ed-davey |title=One in three Lib Dem voters don't recognise Ed Davey |website=YouGov |date=22 June 2024 |access-date=22 June 2024 |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701154635/https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49836-one-in-three-lib-dem-voters-dont-recognise-ed-davey |url-status=live }}</ref> Amid the [[2024 United Kingdom general election betting scandal|general election betting scandal]], Davey, whilst admitting that he had previously bet on the outcome of elections, called for a review of gambling laws.<ref name="h771">{{cite web |last=Whannel |first=Kate |date=26 June 2024 |title=Ed Davey calls for gambling law review after election bet row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjll6dg48xno |access-date=26 June 2024 |website=BBC News |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626133722/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjll6dg48xno |url-status=live }}</ref>

Davey led his party to both their highest ever number of seats and the highest number of seats for a third party since [[1923 United Kingdom general election|1923]], restoring the Liberal Democrats as the third largest party in the House of Commons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Henry |first=Charlotte |date=5 July 2024 |title=Why the Lib Dems did so well |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-the-lib-dems-did-so-well/ |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=The Spectator }}</ref> He celebrated by singing [[Neil Diamond]]'s "[[Sweet Caroline]]" at a Liberal Democrat party.<ref>{{cite news |last=X {{!}} @EllieSwintonITV |first=Source |date=5 July 2024 |title=Ed Davey sings Sweet Caroline as Lib Dems celebrate historic election – video |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2024/jul/05/ed-davey-sings-sweet-caroline-as-lib-dems-celebrate-historic-election-performance-video |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web |date=5 July 2024 |title=Sir Ed Davey hails 'record-breaking' night for Liberal Democrats |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c51y2z7jdz9o |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=BBC News }}</ref> He retained Kingston and Surbiton for the Liberal Democrats at the election, with an increased majority.

=== 2024 leadership bid ===
{{Main|2024 Liberal Democrats leadership election}}

Another leadership election was held in December 2024 due to the requirement in the Liberal Democrats' party constitution that a leadership election should be held at least once during each Westminster parliament. Davey, the incumbent party leader under whom the Liberal Democrats had their best ever performance in the 2024 general election, was the only candidate and was elected unopposed.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 December 2024 |title=2024 Federal Leadership Election |url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/internal-elections/2024-federal-leadership |accessdate=19 December 2024 |website=libdems.org.uk}}</ref>

=== 2025 local elections ===
{{Main|2025 United Kingdom local elections}}

Davey launched the Liberal Democrats' campaign in the [[2025 United Kingdom local elections|2025 local elections]] on 17 March 2025 in [[Great Missenden]].<ref>{{cite web |date=17 March 2025 |title=Lib Dems launch election campaign in Buckinghamshire |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/24999957.liberal-democrats-outline-local-election-plans-bucks/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Bucks Free Press }}</ref> On 20 March 2025 the party's spring conference began in [[Harrogate]].<ref>{{cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Harrogate to host Lib Dem Spring Conference for first time since 2009 this weekend |url=https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/harrogate-to-host-lib-dem-spring-conference-for-first-time-since-2009-this-weekend-5042637 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Harrogate Advertiser }}</ref> Davey said he wants to replace the Conservatives as the "party of [[Middle England]]".<ref>{{cite web |date=31 March 2025 |title=Lib Dems aim to become 'party of Middle England', says Ed Davey |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxn6x39qyxo |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=BBC News }}</ref> Similar to his party's campaign in the 2024 general election the year prior, Davey did several campaign stunts. There were major gains for the Liberal Democrats who  won three new councils and won more seats than the Conservatives for the second local election in a row.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 May 2025 |title=Lib Dems take two councils after winning Conservative votes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/creqr4x18leo |access-date=2 May 2025 |website=BBC News }}</ref> Davey celebrated these gains, stating his party was now the "party of Middle England".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Driscoll |first1=Alex |last2=McKeon  |first2=Christopher |date=2 May 2025 |title=Lib Dems now 'party of middle England' says Davey after local election gains |url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/lib-dems-now-party-middle-10153457?int_source=nba |access-date=3 May 2025 |website=Gloucestershire Live }}</ref>

==Political positions==
[[File:Ed Davey Bournemouth 2017 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Davey addressing the 2017 Liberal Democrat Conference]]
Davey identifies as a [[Liberalism|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."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/all-hands-decc-ed-davey-interview|title=All hands on DECC: Ed Davey interview|date=25 April 2014|work=TotalPolitics.com|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040543/https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/all-hands-decc-ed-davey-interview|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He has said that he believes "in the [[free market]] and in [[Competition (economics)|competition]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/test/cm110405/halltext/110405h0002.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 05 Apr 2011 (pt 0002)|last=Westminster|first=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033702/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/test/cm110405/halltext/110405h0002.htm|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/postalserv/101130/pm/101130s01.htm|title=House of Commons Public Bill Committee : Postal Services Bill|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042632/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/postalserv/101130/pm/101130s01.htm|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Davey describes himself as "an [[economist]] by trade."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-delivers-the-dudley-newitt-lecture-on-the-energy-challenge|title=Edward Davey delivers the Dudley Newitt Lecture on the Energy Challenge|work=GOV.UK|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024526/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-delivers-the-dudley-newitt-lecture-on-the-energy-challenge|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/ed-davey-mp-coalition-restore-5987803|title=Ed Davey MP: Coalition will restore liberty to the people|last=GetWestLondon|date=7 March 2011|work=getwestlondon|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123604/http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/ed-davey-mp-coalition-restore-5987803|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/ed-davey-pro-european-coalition|title=Ed Davey: this is a pro-European coalition|website=www.newstatesman.com|date=4 April 2012 |access-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503180321/https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/ed-davey-pro-european-coalition|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/ed-davey-boris-johnson-has-betrayed-his-country|title=Ed Davey: Boris Johnson "has betrayed his country"|last=Dean|first=Alex|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143503/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/ed-davey-boris-johnson-has-betrayed-his-country|archive-date=15 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Ed Davey MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary (4403631485).jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.75|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.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/treating-tech-giants-like-the-enemy-won-t-help-fight-extremism-bh59v22pz|title=Treating tech giants like the enemy won't help fight extremism|last=Davey|first=Ed|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=6 October 2017|access-date=2 May 2018|issn=0140-0460|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503114415/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/treating-tech-giants-like-the-enemy-won-t-help-fight-extremism-bh59v22pz|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He thinks [[Big Tech|technology giants]] must not be treated as the "enemy" and accused the Conservatives of declaring an "all-out war" on the internet.<ref name=":3" /> Similarly he is critical of Conservative proposals to weaken [[Encryption software|encryption]] because, according to Davey, encryption is important for individual security and helping businesses to thrive.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/amber-rudd-conservative-conference-extremist-content-crack-down-enemies-a7981251.html|title=Amber Rudd is making enemies in the tech sector|date=3 October 2017|work=The Independent|access-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503125542/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/amber-rudd-conservative-conference-extremist-content-crack-down-enemies-a7981251.html|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-30/u-k-breached-eu-law-with-internet-spying-london-court-rules|title=U.K. Breached EU Law With Internet Spying, Court Rules|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503214243/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-30/u-k-breached-eu-law-with-internet-spying-london-court-rules|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/15/delay-investigatory-powers-bill-scrutiny-mps-second-reading-firms-campaigners|title='Snooper's charter': Theresa May faces calls to improve bill to protect privacy|last1=Mason|first1=Rowena|last2=Asthana|first2=Anushka|date=15 March 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 May 2018|last3=Travis|first3=Alan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504010711/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/15/delay-investigatory-powers-bill-scrutiny-mps-second-reading-firms-campaigners|archive-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Davey is supportive of [[Market economy|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 (economics)|competition]] and lowering prices for consumers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/25/ed-davey-interview-renewable-energy|title=Ed Davey interview: 'I'm not going to give up on renewable energy'|last=Rustin|first=Susanna|date=25 October 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131921/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/25/ed-davey-interview-renewable-energy|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/ed-davey-interview-bring-me-sunshine|title=Ed Davey interview: bring me sunshine|last=Elwes|first=Jay|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620052543/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/ed-davey-interview-bring-me-sunshine|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He has promoted removal of [[Barriers to entry#Examples|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.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/12/coalition-energy-market-reforms-cheaper-power |title=Coalition energy market reforms will bring cheaper power to the people {{!}} Ed Davey |last=Davey |first=Ed |date=12 January 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706162324/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/12/coalition-energy-market-reforms-cheaper-power|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, he welcomed the rise of [[consumer switching]] websites.<ref name=":4" /> He has, however, supported "properly designed and carefully targeted" short-term subsidies for some emerging [[Renewable energy|green energy technologies]] in order to meet climate change targets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-speech-to-the-global-offshore-wind-conference|title=Edward Davey speech to the Global Offshore Wind Conference – GOV.UK|website=www.gov.uk|date=14 June 2012 |access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201055837/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-speech-to-the-global-offshore-wind-conference|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

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).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/other/rise-of-the-renewables|title=Rise of the renewables|last=Abdoh|first=Saskia|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706104113/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/other/rise-of-the-renewables|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> After leaving the office of Energy Secretary in 2015 he explained that he had planned to "eliminate subsidies over the coming years"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mongoose.energy/ed-davey-on-the-future-of-community-energy-and-renewables/|title=Sir Ed Davey on the Future of Community Energy|date=7 December 2015|work=Mongoose Energy|access-date=19 June 2018}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> and had previously stated, "ultimately I don't want the government—the Secretary of State—to decide what that [[Low-carbon power|low carbon]] mix is . . . I want the markets and technology development and innovation to decide what that mix is."<ref name=":1" />

He has argued in favour of both [[nuclear power]] and [[fracking]] as potential energy sources,<ref>{{cite news|title=Fracking is 'not evil', says Ed Davey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/05/fracking-not-evil-ed-davey |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=5 September 2013 |access-date=18 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131840/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/05/fracking-not-evil-ed-davey|archive-date=1 December 2017|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24100833|title=Lib Dem vote backs nuclear power|date=15 September 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104093701/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24100833|archive-date=4 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and natural gases as [[Energy transition|transitional fuels]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/09/fracking-shale-gas-ed-davey-climate-change|title=Fracking won't endanger UK's climate targets, says Ed Davey|last=Vaughan|first=Adam|date=9 September 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706132534/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/09/fracking-shale-gas-ed-davey-climate-change|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> though he has warned that there should not be an over-reliance on them.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gosden |first=Emily |title=Ed Davey: 'Crazy' Conservatives would 'frack every bit of croquet lawn' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/11453359/Ed-Davey-Crazy-Conservatives-would-frack-every-bit-of-croquet-lawn.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 March 2015|access-date=18 November 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203135151/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/fracking/11453359/Ed-Davey-Crazy-Conservatives-would-frack-every-bit-of-croquet-lawn.html|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/16/nuclear-power-plants-lib-dems-vince-cable-wind-energy|title=Nuclear power plants may not keep Britain's lights on, say Lib Dems|last1=Vaughan|first1=Adam|date=16 September 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 November 2017|last2=Elgot|first2=Jessica|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201080935/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/16/nuclear-power-plants-lib-dems-vince-cable-wind-energy|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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]]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/15/liberal-democrats-vote-accept-nuclear-power|title=Lib Dems vote to accept nuclear power|last=Mason|first=Rowena|date=15 September 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118122615/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/15/liberal-democrats-vote-accept-nuclear-power|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Ed Davey Peoples Vote Rally 2019.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Davey at the [[People's Vote]] Rally 2019]]

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".<ref>{{cite news|date=6 September 2020|first=Jon|last=Stone|work=The Independent|title=Brexit: Lib Dems won't campaign to rejoin EU, signals new leader Ed Davey|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-liberal-democrats-eu-ed-davey-europe-b404557.html|access-date=7 September 2020|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906200504/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-liberal-democrats-eu-ed-davey-europe-b404557.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=5 September 2020|first=Jonathon|last=Read|work=The New European|title=Ed Davey says Lib Dems will not campaign for UK to rejoin EU but will call for closer ties|url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-on-lib-dems-and-brexit-1-6823194|access-date=7 September 2020|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906074837/https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/ed-davey-on-lib-dems-and-brexit-1-6823194|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Davey|first=Ed|date=20 January 2021|title=The Liberal Democrats are the most pro-European party in British Politics|url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/most-pro-european-party|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Liberal Democrats|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616135732/https://www.libdems.org.uk/most-pro-european-party|url-status=live}}</ref>
Davey opposes a [[proposed second Scottish independence referendum|second Scottish independence referendum]] arguing in 2022, that it would be "damaging to recovery."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/national/19272069.sir-ed-davey-mood-change-among-scottish-voters-may-see-lib-dem-gains/ | title=Sir ed Davey: Mood change among Scottish voters may see Lib dem gains | date=30 April 2021 }}</ref>

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".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Jonathan |title=Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says 'men have got to change' to create a safer society |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/liberal-democrat-leader-ed-davey-20187012 |access-date=20 May 2021 |work=Birmingham Live |date=17 March 2021 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520150912/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/liberal-democrat-leader-ed-davey-20187012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, alongside celebrities and other public figures, Davey was a signatory to an open letter from [[Stylist (magazine)|''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".<ref>{{cite news |title="We're calling on you to act now": read Stylist's open letter to Priti Patel about ending male violence against women and girls |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/women/open-letter-priti-patel-violence-women-girls/520846 |access-date=20 May 2021 |work=Stylist |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520144455/https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/women/open-letter-priti-patel-violence-women-girls/520846 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A supporter of transgender rights, Davey believes that [[Trans woman|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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marr |first1=Andrew |title=Sir Ed Davey on the Liberal Democrats polling, trans rights, and vaccine passports |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09wd8rj |work=The Andrew Marr Show |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108155025/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09wd8rj |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Merrick |first1=Rob |title=Trans women should be allowed in all public places, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey says |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trans-women-lib-dem-ed-davey-b1921898.html |access-date=8 November 2021 |work=The Independent |date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=5 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705142320/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trans-women-lib-dem-ed-davey-b1921898.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tara |first1=John |title=Anti-trans rhetoric is rife in the British media. Little is being done to extinguish the flames |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/09/uk/uk-trans-rights-gender-critical-media-intl-gbr-cmd/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=8 November 2021 |archive-date=26 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126125139/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/09/uk/uk-trans-rights-gender-critical-media-intl-gbr-cmd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Davey criticised [[Boris Johnson]] after the [[2021 North Shropshire by-election]] where a Lib Dem candidate, [[Helen Morgan (politician)|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."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-59693102 |title=Tories lose North Shropshire seat they held for nearly 200 years |date=17 December 2021 |work=BBC News |access-date=17 December 2021 |archive-date=17 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217084843/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-59693102 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Responding to [[Keir Starmer]] and [[Rachel Reeves]]' [[October 2024 United Kingdom budget|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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Budget 2024 live: Rachel Reeves raises taxes by £40bn, with businesses paying more than half |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp9zrg128get?post=asset:4ea906e1-fc62-4be1-82b7-936446c93a10 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Harding |first=LaToya |date=30 October 2024 |title=Reeves announces £40bn tax hike in UK budget |url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/live/budget-2024-live-rachel-reeves-tax-debt-speech-093720254.html |access-date=1 November 2024 |website=[[Yahoo Finance]]}}</ref> In October 2024, Davey said he was “very minded” to vote against the [[Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill]] to legalise [[Assisted suicide in the United Kingdom|assisted dying]] for [[terminally ill]] adults, saying the UK should “do much better” on palliative care.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Francis |first1=Sam |last2=Catt |first2=Helen |date=31 October 2024 |title=Ed Davey 'minded' to vote against assisted dying bill |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1knmkxzryjo |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

Davey has used the scandal surrounding [[Peter Mandelson]]'s relationship with sex offender [[Jeffrey Epstein]] to attack Starmer's judgment and call for greater transparency. Davey's criticism has focused on the handling of the appointment, the vetting process, and the impact on Epstein's victims. He described Mandelson's appointment as "another car crash" for the Labour government and questioned why Starmer proceeded with the appointment despite Mandelson's well-known history. After Mandelson's sacking, Davey demanded that Starmer "come before Parliament and explain" his decision-making process. In a parliamentary debate, Davey agreed with a Labour MP's argument that professional diplomats should be appointed as ambassadors instead of politicians. The Liberal Democrats have called for an independent investigation into what was known about Mandelson's links to Epstein at the time of his appointment. Deputy Leader [[Daisy Cooper]] called for a full review of vetting procedures, stating it was "extraordinary" that Mandelson could have been appointed without the Prime Minister knowing all the facts. Like the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Davey called on Starmer to apologise directly to Epstein's victims for appointing Mandelson. He asked how it must have felt for victims to see "another of Epstein's closest friends" made a British ambassador. Davey also voiced concern about the timing of the scandal, just before a state visit by Trump, who also had connections to Epstein. Davey urged Starmer to question Trump about his relationship with Epstein during their meeting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ed Davey on Mandelson: Civil Service Commission must investigate if ambassador has broken diplomatic code |url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/ed-davey-on-mandelson-civil-service-commission-must-investigate-if-ambassador-has-broken-diplomatic-code |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=www.libdems.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Davey on Mandelson sacking: Starmer must come before Parliament |url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/davey-on-mandelson-sacking-starmer-must-come-before-parliament |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=www.libdems.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Foreign affairs ===
Since the 2000s, Davey has been vocal on the issue of [[detention without trial]], in particular [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp|Guantanamo]] and [[Bagram torture and prisoner abuse|Bagram]], which he believed required transparency and formal investigation of [[torture]] allegations.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=21 January 2007 |title=MP urges action on Guantanamo detainee |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-guantanamo/legislator-urges-uk-action-on-guantanamo-detainee-idUKL0889994520070109 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706104310/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-guantanamo/legislator-urges-uk-action-on-guantanamo-detainee-idUKL0889994520070109 |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=6 July 2018 |work=Reuters}}
</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Davey |first=Edward |date=17 August 2009 |title=End the rendition cover-up Edward Davey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/aug/17/rendition-afghanistan-bagram-torture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706190750/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/aug/17/rendition-afghanistan-bagram-torture |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=6 July 2018 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Blair urged to fight for Guantanamo detainee |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/blair-urged-to-fight-for-guantanamo-detainee-7210660.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706134010/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/blair-urged-to-fight-for-guantanamo-detainee-7210660.html |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=6 July 2018 |work=Evening Standard}}</ref> He has opposed indefinite detention for illegal immigrants.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Diane |date=10 October 2017 |title=Torture victims were wrongly imprisoned in UK, high court rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/10/torture-victims-were-wrongly-imprisoned-in-uk-high-court-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706121826/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/10/torture-victims-were-wrongly-imprisoned-in-uk-high-court-rules |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=6 July 2018 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Davey has been in support of trade to import [[natural gas]] from countries including the United States and [[Qatar]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Centrica buys 20 years of gas supplies from the US as cold weather |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/centrica-buys-20-years-of-gas-supplies-from-the-us-as-cold-weather-and-snow-continue-to-disrupt-8548569.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161756/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/centrica-buys-20-years-of-gas-supplies-from-the-us-as-cold-weather-and-snow-continue-to-disrupt-8548569.html |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Vukmanovic |first=Oleg |date=8 October 2012 |title=Britain's gas supply prey to Qatar marketing strategy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-energy-gas-britain-qatar/britains-gas-supply-prey-to-qatar-marketing-strategy-idUSBRE8970J220121008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706112530/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-energy-gas-britain-qatar/britains-gas-supply-prey-to-qatar-marketing-strategy-idUSBRE8970J220121008 |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> and importation of green energy via new [[interconnector]]s from [[Norway]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Moylan |first=John |date=26 March 2015 |title=Norwegian green energy to power UK |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-32067675 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718064609/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-32067675 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Smyth |first=Jamie |date=20 September 2012 |title=Irish Sea green power link goes live |url=https://www.ft.com/content/77897508-0322-11e2-a484-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161854/https://www.ft.com/content/77897508-0322-11e2-a484-00144feabdc0 |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Energy trading creates opportunities for Ireland & UK – Davey & Rabbitte |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-trading-creates-opportunities-for-ireland-uk-davey-rabbitte |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706104155/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-trading-creates-opportunities-for-ireland-uk-davey-rabbitte |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |work=GOV.UK}}</ref> 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 [[Vladimir Putin|Putin]]."<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.K.'s Davey Rebuffs Fears on Chinese Nuclear Investment |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-21/u-k-s-davey-rebuffs-fears-on-chinese-nuclear-investment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503215801/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-21/u-k-s-davey-rebuffs-fears-on-chinese-nuclear-investment |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=3 May 2018 |work=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

In November 2023, Davey expressed support for a ceasefire in the [[Gaza Strip]] following the [[Gaza 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."<ref>{{cite news |title=Liberal Democrats call for 'immediate bilateral ceasefire' in Israel-Hamas war |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dems-gaza-ceasefire-israel-b2446158.html |work=The Independent |date=13 November 2023 |access-date=7 January 2024 |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107104737/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ed-davey-lib-dems-gaza-ceasefire-israel-b2446158.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2025, Davey accused Israel of [[Gaza genocide|committing a genocide]] in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite web|date=17 September 2025|title= Lib Dem leader Ed Davey says Israel committing genocide in Gaza|url= https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lib-dem-leader-ed-davey-says-israel-committing-genocide-first-time|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=17 September 2025|last=Mulla|first=Imran}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite web |date=14 July 2024 |title=Politicians react with shock to attack on Donald Trump |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czd9jej784do |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=BBC News }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |last=Burford |first=Rachael |date=7 November 2024 |title=Trump branded 'dangerous, destructive demagogue' by Lib Dem leader |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/lib-dem-leader-ed-davey-donald-trump-dangerous-us-election-win-b1192368.html |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=The Standard }}</ref> Davey argued that Trump should only receive the ceremony of a British state visit if he supported Ukraine, and proposed that Trump's tariffs be used as a point from which to negotiate membership of the EU's customs union.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title=Meet the UK party that thinks Trump-bashing is a vote-winner |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-party-donald-trump-liberal-democrats-house-of-commons-british-vote/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}}</ref> In August 2025, Davey announced he would boycott the state banquet hosted for Trump during a state visit to the UK, stating that Trump had "the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-27 |title=Donald Trump state visit: Ed Davey to boycott banquet over Gaza |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlz6rp2ln8o |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The banquet at Windsor Castle during the [[2025 state visit by Donald Trump to the United Kingdom]] was boycotted by Davey in protest at Trump's policies toward the [[Gaza Strip]] and [[Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present)|the ongoing humanitarian crisis]] there.<ref name="BBC27Aug2025">{{cite news |last=Morton |first=Becky |date=27 August 2025 |title=Ed Davey to boycott Trump state banquet over Gaza |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crlz6rp2ln8o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250914051323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crlz6rp2ln8o |archive-date=14 September 2025 |access-date=13 September 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Davey said that Trump "has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza and get the hostages released" due to his influence over Israel, Qatar and the Gulf states.<ref name="BBC27Aug2025" />

== Other ventures ==

=== Business appointments ===
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.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Summary of business appointments applications – Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/davey-edward-secretary-of-state-for-energy-and-climate-change-acoba-recommendation/summary-of-business-appointments-applications-rt-hon-edward-davey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117070318/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/davey-edward-secretary-of-state-for-energy-and-climate-change-acoba-recommendation/summary-of-business-appointments-applications-rt-hon-edward-davey |archive-date=17 January 2018 |access-date=20 May 2017 |website=Advisory Committee on Business Appointments – GOV.UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=About – Mongoose Energy |url=http://mongoose.energy/our-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630160213/http://mongoose.energy/our-team/ |archive-date=30 June 2017 |access-date=20 May 2017 |work=Mongoose Energy}}</ref>

Davey set up an independent consultancy in September 2015 to provide advice on energy and climate change.<ref name=":0" />

In January 2016 Davey was appointed as a part-time consultant to [[MHP Communications]], the public relations and lobbying firm representing [[EDF Energy]].<ref name=":0" /> Davey was criticised by [[Pundit|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 [[Hinkley Point C nuclear power station|new nuclear plant]] at Hinkley Point in Somerset.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leftly |first=Mark |date=9 March 2016 |title=Lord Avebury would never have been this complacent over Hinkley Point |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/lord-avebury-would-never-have-been-this-complacent-over-hinkley-point-a6920086.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131428/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/lord-avebury-would-never-have-been-this-complacent-over-hinkley-point-a6920086.html |archive-date=17 January 2018 |access-date=20 May 2017 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=John |date=2 September 2016 |title=Politics can't heal until politicians stand clear of the revolving door |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/02/politics-politicians-revolving-door-barroso-cameron-dorporate-pay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520010503/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/02/politics-politicians-revolving-door-barroso-cameron-dorporate-pay |archive-date=20 May 2017 |access-date=20 May 2017 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Davey's appointment as Global Partner and non-Executive director of private equity investor Nord Engine Capital was announced in February 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The Team |url=http://nordenginecapital.co.uk/the-team/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514112117/http://nordenginecapital.co.uk/the-team/ |archive-date=14 May 2017 |access-date=20 May 2017 |website=Nord Engine Capital}}</ref>

In July 2016 he became non-paid patron of the Sustainable Futures Foundation, a charity promoting environmental sustainability for the public benefit.<ref name=":0" />

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 [[United Kingdom parliamentary second jobs controversy|parliamentary second jobs controversy]].<ref>{{cite web |date=18 November 2021 |title=Lib Dem leader Ed Davey quits HSF advisory role amid MPs second jobs row |url=https://www.legalcheek.com/2021/11/lib-dem-leader-ed-davey-quits-hsf-advisory-role-amid-mps-second-jobs-row/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302120719/https://www.legalcheek.com/2021/11/lib-dem-leader-ed-davey-quits-hsf-advisory-role-amid-mps-second-jobs-row/ |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022 |publisher=Legal Cheek}}</ref>

Davey is the Chair of the All-Party Britain-Republic of Korea [[All-party parliamentary group|Parliamentary Group]] (APPG).<ref>{{cite web |last=Commons |first=The Committee Office, House of |title=House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 28 September 2017: Korea |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/170928/korea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503112701/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/170928/korea.htm |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=2 May 2018 |website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Commons |first=The Committee Office, House of |title=House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 31 January 2018: Charity Retail |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180131/charity-retail.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024721/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180131/charity-retail.htm |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=19 June 2018 |website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Commons |first=The Committee Office, House of |title=House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 6 June 2018: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180606/ahmadiyya-muslim-community.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024750/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180606/ahmadiyya-muslim-community.htm |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=19 June 2018 |website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Commons |first=The Committee Office, House of |title=House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 6 June 2018: Land Value Capture |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180606/land-value-capture.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024801/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/180606/land-value-capture.htm |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=20 June 2018 |website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref>

=== Christmas charity single ===
On 28 November 2024, Davey released the Christmas charity single "Love is Enough" featuring the [[Bath Philharmonia]] choir.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 November 2024 |title=Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey in bid for Christmas No 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy4q24ynp3o |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=BBC News }}</ref> The song is "a tribute to the caring responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for."<ref>{{cite web |title=Bath Philharmonia {{!}} Orchestra {{!}} Bath |url=https://www.bathphil.co.uk |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Bath Phil }}</ref> 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 went to the [[Carers Trust]] and Bath Philarmonia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ed Davey aiming for Christmas number one with song celebrating young carers |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ed-davey-aiming-for-christmas-number-one-with-song-celebrating-young-carers-13261919 |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Sky News }}</ref>

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.”<ref>{{cite web |title=Ed Davey Launches Bid for Christmas No.1 Hit With "Love Is Enough" |url=https://www.libdems.org.uk/press/release/ed-davey-launches-bid-for-christmas-no1-hit-with-love-is-enough |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=www.libdems.org.uk }}</ref>

=== Book ===
Davey's autobiography, ''Why I Care: And why care matters'', was released by [[HarperCollins]] on 22 May 2025. The book is described as "a deeply personal account of life as a carer and a call to support those who care for others."<ref>{{cite web |title=Why I Care: And why care matters |url=https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/why-i-care-and-why-care-matters-sir-ed-davey?variant=55081579839867 |access-date=3 May 2025 |website=HarperCollins Publishers UK }}</ref>

==Personal life==
In the summer of 2005, Davey married Emily Gasson, the Liberal Democrat candidate for [[North Dorset (UK Parliament constituency)|North Dorset]] at the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|that year's general election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eddavey.org/about|title=About Ed Davey|website=Ed Davey MP|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722181051/https://www.eddavey.org/about|url-status=live}}</ref> They have a son named John (born December 2007) and a daughter named Ellie.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 August 2020 |title=Liberal Democrats: Who is leader Sir Ed Davey? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53888106 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=27 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627012158/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53888106 |url-status=live }}</ref> John has severe learning and physical disabilities due to an undiagnosed neurological condition and requires round-the-clock care, which is provided by Davey and Gasson as well as external carers, and is a key reason behind Davey's advocacy for carers.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Shipman |first=Tim |date=30 August 2020 |title=Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader with a disabled son, says: I'll be voice of carers|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/ed-davey-the-lib-dem-leader-with-a-disabled-son-says-ill-be-voice-of-carers-jzvxx2h8s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830001351/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ed-davey-the-lib-dem-leader-with-a-disabled-son-says-ill-be-voice-of-carers-jzvxx2h8s |archive-date=30 August 2020 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=[[The Times]]}}</ref> John also has speech difficulties, spurring Davey's interest in [[speech therapy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yourhealthcare.org/Default.aspx.LocID-00nnew003.RefLocID-00n00100i004.Lang-EN.htm |title=PRESS RELEASE – KINGSTON MPS AND Your Healthcare JOIN FORCES |access-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212235434/http://www.yourhealthcare.org/Default.aspx.LocID-00nnew003.RefLocID-00n00100i004.Lang-EN.htm/ |archive-date=12 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The family lives in [[Surbiton]], where Davey also lived before his election to Parliament in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londonlibdems.org.uk/london_2016_gla_candidates |title=London 2016 GLA candidates |date=27 September 2015|access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929185341/http://www.londonlibdems.org.uk/london_2016_gla_candidates |archive-date=29 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://moderngov.kingston.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=89|title=Election results for Norbiton Ward, 3 May 2018|date=3 May 2018|access-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513152130/https://moderngov.kingston.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=89|archive-date=13 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Davey is a [[Christian]], who has stated that his faith has an impact on his politics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holl-Allen |first1=Genevieve |title=Ed Davey: My Christian religion has an impact on my politics |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/28/ed-davey-im-christian-religion-plays-part-my-politics/ |access-date=21 September 2025 |work=The Telegraph |date=28 August 2025}}</ref>

In addition to his native English, Davey speaks French, German, and Spanish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/edward-jonathon-davey|title=Edward Davey|website=politics.co.uk|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503112517/http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/edward-jonathon-davey|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a supporter of [[Notts County Football Club|Notts County FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politics.co.uk/reference/edward-davey/|title=Ed Davey – Who is the Lib Dem Leader?|website=Politics.co.uk|access-date=4 September 2023|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904151044/https://www.politics.co.uk/reference/edward-davey/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Knights Bachelor Medal.jpg|thumb|125px|[[Knight Bachelor]] [[insignia]]]]

==Honours==
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]].<ref name="LibDem-EdwardDavey" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/ed-davey-the-night-i-pulled-a-woman-from-the-tracks-as-a-train-hurtled-towards-us-7534767.html |title=Ed Davey: 'The night I pulled a woman from the tracks as a train |website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date=3 March 2012 |access-date=6 June 2024 |archive-date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606231928/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/ed-davey-the-night-i-pulled-a-woman-from-the-tracks-as-a-train-hurtled-towards-us-7534767.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2001 he was elected a [[Fellow]] of the [[Royal Society of Arts]] (FRSA).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/third-new-mps-have-arts-and-culture-links|title=A third of new MPs have arts and culture links|date=13 June 2017 |access-date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117012051/https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/third-new-mps-have-arts-and-culture-links|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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

Davey was [[Knight Bachelor|knighted]] in the [[2016 New Year Honours|2016 New Years Honours List]] for 'political and public service',<ref name="LG301215">{{London Gazette|issue=61450 |supp=y|page=N2|date=30 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Year's Honours 2016 list|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489049/NY2016HonoursFullList.pdf|website=GOV.UK|access-date=30 December 2015|date=30 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114132859/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489049/NY2016HonoursFullList.pdf|archive-date=14 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> enabling [[United Kingdom honours order of wearing|him to wear]] the [[Knight Bachelor]] [[neck decoration]] on [[Military parade|occasion]]s such as [[Remembrance Sunday]].

==Publications==
*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 (investor)|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==
*[[Liberal Democrat frontbench team]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{Bluesky}}
*[http://www.libdems.org.uk/people/edward-davey Profile] at the Liberal Democrats
*[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20111109003059/http://www.bis.gov.uk/edwarddavey Edward Davey MP] (BIS archive){{UK MP links | parliament = sir-edward-davey/188 | hansard = mr-edward-davey | hansardcurr = 2851 | guardian = 1276/edward-davey | publicwhip = Edward_Davey | theywork = edward_davey | record = Ed-Davey/Kingston-and-Surbiton/1087 | bbc = 25694.stm | journalisted=edward-davey}}
*[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7048585.stm Profile: Edward Davey] ''[[BBC News]]'' profile, 17 October 2007
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130627010325/http://www.debretts.com/people/biographies/browse/d/19518/Edward%20Jonathon+DAVEY.aspx ''Debrett's People of Today'']

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{{s-par|uk}}
{{s-new|constituency}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]]<br />for [[Kingston and Surbiton]]|years=[[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997]]–[[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[James Berry (barrister)|James Berry]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[James Berry (barrister)|James Berry]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]]<br />for [[Kingston and Surbiton]]|years=[[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017]]–present}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Anthony Young, Baron Young of Norwood Green|The Lord Young of Norwood Green]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Department for Business, Innovation and Skills|Undersecretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs]]|years=2010–2012}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Norman Lamb]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Chris Huhne]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change]]|years=2012–2015}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Amber Rudd]]}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Jo Swinson]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats]]|years=2019–2020}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Daisy Cooper]]}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Jo Swinson]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Leader of the Liberal Democrats]]|years=2020–present}}
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{{s-end}}{{Ed Davey}}{{UK Liberal Democrats}}
{{Current UK Liberal Democrat MPs}}
{{Leaders of political parties in the United Kingdom}}
{{Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change}}
{{Cabinet of David Cameron}}
{{First Cameron Cabinet}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Davey, Edward}}
[[Category:Ed Davey| ]]
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Alumni of Jesus College, Oxford]]
[[Category:Charity fundraisers (people)]]
[[Category:English autobiographers]]
[[Category:Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:Leaders of the Liberal Democrats (UK)]]
[[Category:Liberal Democrats (UK) MPs for English constituencies]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:People educated at Nottingham High School]]
[[Category:People from Sutton-in-Ashfield]]
[[Category:Politicians from Nottingham]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1997–2001]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2001–2005]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2005–2010]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2010–2015]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2017–2019]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2019–2024]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2024–present]]