Sir Ed Davey (Part One)
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What inspired Sir Ed Davey to join the Liberal Democrats?
These two girls dressed in their pyjamas, women, going down the corridor saying, and one said to the other, oh daffers, I've got shampers all over
my gym jams. This week on Walking the Dog, Ray and I went for a stroll with a very special guest, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey. I know, I can't believe it either. Picking up Ray's poo with Sir Ed Davey watching over me definitely wasn't on my 2026 bingo card, but I was delighted he agreed to join us for a walk. And frankly, having a close protection officer following behind us just confirmed Ray's belief that he is literally the most important dog in the world. But security aside, what was interesting to me was how relaxed the whole thing was. I mean, I'd envisaged an entourage of kind of scary Westminster men in suits saying, look, can we keep the shih tzu on message? But Ed and I ended up strolling around for a couple of hours, having a really in-depth proper chat about pretty much everything.
We talked about his childhood growing up in Nottinghamshire, losing his father to cancer when he was just four years old, and how after his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he then spent much of his early teens helping to care for her before finally losing her when he was 15. We also chatted about Ed's time at Oxford University and how MI6 tried to recruit him as a spy, but he decided espionage sounded far too stressful so opted for the famously relaxing world of politics instead. Ed also told me about why support for carers has become one of the defining themes of his life, from helping to care for his mother to now caring for his son John, who has severe disabilities, and navigating that with his wife Emily following her diagnosis of MS.
It's something he explores in his book Why I Care and Why Care Matters, which gives you a lot of insight into Ed and why he's so passionate about advocating for carers. And if you want to give it a read, it's now out in paperback. Ray and I genuinely had the loveliest time with Ed. I found him surprisingly open and unscripted for a politician. At one point, he even let me grab his phone to look at his playlist. And by the way, there was both Abba and Adele on there. And I was also incredibly moved by what he's been through in his life and how that's gone on to shape so much of his politics. He also insisted on giving Ray a cuddle. Fortunately, the close protection officer didn't view Ray as a potential threat.
So come the next election, Ed, I think we can safely say you've got the full support of London's smallest ever shih tzu. Really hope you enjoy our walk with Sir Ed. Give it a listen now. Let's go into the park, Ed. Now, people always say, because Raymond, you are with a sir. I don't feel you're someone that I would feel the need to call, sir.
Well, don't. I mean, I'm really proud of it. I mean, call Sam. It was a huge honour. But I wear it lightly. And, you know, it was nice because it was given over things I've done on climate change, which I'm really passionate about. By the way, I'm a big royalist. I love the royal family. It's one of those things that I don't stand on ceremony. I'm quite sort of down to earth sort of person.
Yeah.
It's a light touch. Ed, please.
I know, but how nice to be a sir. Yeah, it's lovely. It is
lovely.
Do you ever get mail addressed to Sir Ed Davey? I do, I do. Oh, I'd be so proud. I'd be boasting showing that to the neighbours.
Well, what's funny is my wife is formerly Lady, Lady Emily, Lady Emily Davey, so I tease her a little bit.
Ed, I am so thrilled you've agreed to come on this podcast. Thank you for inviting me. And I've already revealed, prior to this podcast to you, that I might be coming over to your side. Oh, fantastic. Yeah. I'll sign you up. And you've met Raymond already. Yeah. And I could tell you have quite an affection for dogs, don't you?
Yeah, I love all animals, if I'm honest with you. Look, there's some geese, Ed. And baby geese. Yeah.
How did losing his parents shape Sir Ed’s view on caring for others?
All their babies. Look at that. Hello. Yeah, OK. They're not happy with us.
I'm just going to put Raymond's lead on.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What inspired Sir Ed Davey to join the Liberal Democrats?
0:00–4:16
2
How did losing his parents shape Sir Ed’s view on caring for others?
4:16–4:51
3
Why did MI6 try to recruit Sir Ed and why did he turn it down?
4:51–6:11
4
How has caring for his son John influenced Sir Ed’s political priorities?
6:11–8:30
5
What does Sir Ed’s music playlist reveal about his personality?
8:30–8:51
6
What emotional impact did Sir Ed’s father’s letters have on him?
8:51–9:21
7
Why did Ray’s dog cuddle become a ‘diplomatic victory’ for Sir Ed?
9:21–44:24
8
How did Sir Ed’s Harry Potter costume moment showcase his sense of humour?
44:24–46:56