Ed Davey

{{Ed Davey sidebar}}

Edward Davey was born on 25 December 1965 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.{{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}}{{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}} 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.Nottingham Evening Post Wednesday 18 March 1970, page 13'Ed's story' – Liberal Democrats (YouTube) His mother, Nina Davey (née Stanbrook), died 11 years later when Davey was 15,{{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=2023-09-13 |last=The Rest Is Politics |minutes=4:12 |access-date=2025-02-24 |via=YouTube}} after which he was brought up by his maternal grandparents in the village of Eakring.{{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}} Davey acted as a carer for his terminally ill mother before her death, and also cared for his grandmother.{{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 }}

Davey was in both the 90th Nottingham Scout groupNottingham Evening Post Saturday 20 November 1976, page 18 and the 17th Nottingham Air Scout group.Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 15 July 1978, page 6 He sang in the local church choir, St John's.Nottingham Evening Post Monday 1 August 1977, page 16 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.Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 3 March 1984 page 5 He took A-levels in German, French and History.Nottingham Evening Post Wednesday 5 September 1984, page 13 One of his two brothers attended Trent Polytechnic, becoming a solicitor.Nottingham Evening Post Monday 16 September 1985, page 10 After leaving school, Davey attended Jesus College, Oxford,{{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}} where he was awarded a first class BA degree in philosophy, politics and economics in 1988. He was JCR President.

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

Davey was elected to the House of Commons, at his first attempt, in the 1997 general election, where he defeated Richard Tracey, the sitting Conservative MP for the former constituency of Surbiton, with a majority of just 56 votes, and remained the seat's MP for 18 years.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

In 2001, he opposed government proposals for restrictions on gambling machines, which he described as a "silly bit of nanny state politics".{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

In January 2003, Davey publicly backed local constituent and NHS whistleblower Ian Perkin, who alleged he had been sacked from his director of finance role for exposing statistics manipulation at St George's NHS healthcare trust.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/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}}{{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}} Davey condemned the NHS bureaucracy as "Stalinist" and called for an inquiry into Perkin's case,{{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}}{{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}} while personally meeting trust executives to discuss the case on behalf of Perkin.{{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}}

In February 2003, Davey introduced the clause which repealed the prohibition of "promotion of homosexuality" under Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.{{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}} The legislation was repealed in March.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_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}} He was one of the contributors to The Orange Book (2004).

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.{{cite news|url=http://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}} He called the ban "a bit too nanny state".{{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}}{{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}}

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

File:Ed Davey 01.jpg

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

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

On 26 February 2008, Davey was suspended from parliament for the day for ignoring a warning from the Deputy Speaker. He was protesting about the exclusion by the Speaker of a Liberal Democrat motion to debate and vote on whether the UK should have a referendum on staying in the EU.{{cite news |title=Lib Dem ordered out of EU debate |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_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}}

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",[http://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 a comment echoed by Malala Yousafzai four years later to the BBC.{{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}}

File:Edward Davey (cropped).jpg

Following the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition agreement, after the 2010 general election, Davey was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills[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{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_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 |date=30 May 2010}} with responsibility for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs.[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[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 In addition, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Trade Policy.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} As a Parliamentary Under Secretary, Davey led the establishment of an unofficial 'like-minded group for growth' ginger group within the European Union, convening several economically liberal European governments behind an agenda of deregulation, free trade, liberalisation of services and a digital single market.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} He was involved in the provisional application phase of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

In January 2011, he faced protests by postal workers in his Kingston and Surbiton constituency for his role in the privatisation of Royal Mail.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-12182648/government-s-retirement-plan-to-boost-economy|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}}{{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}}

As Minister for Postal Affairs, Davey did not investigate the details of the Horizon Post Office scandal that had led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters. He was, however, the only Post Office minister to meet Alan Bates, the founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, with this meeting taking place in October 2010.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Following criticism in 2024, Davey expressed regret and said that he had been misled by Post Office officials.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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 }} However, Davey said he was "completely surprised" as to why the Conservatives had awarded Vennells a CBE in 2019.

File:Prime Minister of Japan (13895756480).jpg, 2014]]

File:Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, UK (7555125784).jpg, 2012]]

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

In 2013, Davey set up the Green Growth Group, bringing together environmental and climate ministers from across the European Union in an effort to promote growth, investment in renewable and nuclear energy, liberalisation of the European energy market, a global carbon market, trade in energy, carbon capture technology, energy efficiency, and competition.{{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}}{{cite book|title=Energy transformation : an opportunity for Europe|last=Claude|first=Turmes|others=Zeitoun, Jérémie|isbn=9781785902574|location=London|oclc=996422652|year = 2017}}{{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}}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{{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}} 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".{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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

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,{{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}}{{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}} and he was lampooned by The Telegraph sketch writer Michael Deacon.{{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}} He was also criticised by left-wing figures such as Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas over his support of fracking,{{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}} and by the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband for Davey's warning that Labour's price control policy would cause blackouts.{{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}} 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. 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".{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Leading up to the 2015 general election, Davey was viewed by various sources as a potential successor to Clegg.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

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

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."{{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 }}

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

File:Official portrait of Sir Edward Davey crop 2.jpg

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

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

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

{{main|2020 Liberal Democrats leadership election}}

File:Ed Davey (2020) for leader logo.png

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".{{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}} He proposed the establishment of a basic income to support carers, and said that the Liberal Democrats should be "the party of social care".{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} He proposed a plan to reduce carbon emissions from domestic flights to zero by 2030 through investment in research and technology.{{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}} 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.

File:Official portrait of Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP crop 2.jpg

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.{{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}}{{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}} Alongside Clegg and many of the Liberal Democrats who served in the governing Conservative-Lib Dem coalition of 2010–2015, Davey is associated with the party's right-wing Orange Booker branch. The record of the coalition, which caused a decline in popularity of the Liberal Democrats after 2015, has been defended by Davey.{{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}}

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."{{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}}{{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}}

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

{{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, 24 July 2024]]

Davey led his party in the 2024 general election, and was noted, with praise and criticism, for his campaign stunts.{{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 }} When visiting Windermere, Davey fell off his paddleboard, whilst campaigning to highlight the political issue of sewage discharge in the United Kingdom.{{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 }} A couple of days later, Davey won high-profile media attention when going down a Slip 'N Slide, whilst drawing attention to deteriorating mental health among children. When visiting Eastbourne, Davey did a bungee jump, asking people to "take the plunge" and vote Liberal Democrat.{{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 }} 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".{{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 }}

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.{{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 }}

On 10 June 2024, Davey launched the Liberal Democrat manifesto, titled For a Fair Deal, in London.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} Midway through the campaign, opinion pollsters YouGov found that 35% of Liberal Democrat voters did not recognise a photograph of Davey.{{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 }} Amid the general election betting scandal, Davey, whilst admitting that he had previously bet on the outcome of elections, called for a review of gambling laws.{{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 }}

Davey led his party to both their highest ever number of seats and the highest number of seats for a third party since 1923, restoring the Liberal Democrats as the third largest party in the House of Commons.{{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 }} He celebrated by singing Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" at a Liberal Democrat party.{{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}} 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".{{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 }} He retained Kingston and Surbiton for the Liberal Democrats at the election, with an increased majority.

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

File:Ed Davey Bournemouth 2017 (cropped).jpg

Davey identifies as a liberal politically, telling the Total Politics magazine: "I personally think liberalism is the strongest political philosophy in the modern world. Socialism has failed. I think even social democracy, the watered down version which Labour sort of understand depending on which day of the week it is, is not very convincing, and I don't really understand where the Conservatives are coming from because they have so many philosophies within one party. There's no philosophy of the modern Conservative Party."{{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}} He has said that he believes "in the free market and in competition",{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Davey describes himself as "an economist by trade."{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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."{{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}}File:Ed Davey MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary (4403631485).jpg

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.{{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}} He thinks technology giants must not be treated as the "enemy" and accused the Conservatives of declaring an "all-out war" on the internet. Similarly he is critical of Conservative proposals to weaken encryption because, according to Davey, encryption is important for individual security and helping businesses to thrive.{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

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

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).{{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}} After leaving the office of Energy Secretary in 2015 he explained that he had planned to "eliminate subsidies over the coming years"{{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}} and had previously stated, "ultimately I don't want the government—the Secretary of State—to decide what that low carbon mix is . . . I want the markets and technology development and innovation to decide what that mix is."

He has argued in favour of both nuclear power and fracking as potential energy sources,{{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}}{{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}} and natural gases as transitional fuels,{{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}} though he has warned that there should not be an over-reliance on them.{{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}}{{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}}File:Ed Davey Peoples Vote Rally 2019.jpg Rally 2019]]Davey has previously argued against nuclear power but in 2013 he urged fellow Liberal Democrat members to support nuclear power, stating, "I've changed my mind because of climate change."{{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}}

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".{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

Davey opposes a second Scottish independence referendum arguing in 2022, that it would be "damaging to recovery."https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/national/19272069.sir-ed-davey-mood-change-among-scottish-voters-may-see-lib-dem-gains/

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".{{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 }} In May 2021, alongside celebrities and other public figures, Davey was a signatory to an open letter from Stylist magazine which called on the government to address what it described as an "epidemic of male violence" by funding an "ongoing, high-profile, expert-informed awareness campaign on men's violence against women and girls".{{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 }}

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

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

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

Since the 2000s, Davey has been vocal on the issue of detention without trial, in particular Guantanamo and Bagram, which he believed required transparency and formal investigation of torture allegations.{{cite news |author= |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}}

{{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}}{{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}} He has opposed indefinite detention for illegal immigrants.{{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}}

Davey has been in support of trade to import natural gas from countries including the United States and Qatar,{{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}}{{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}} and importation of green energy via new interconnectors from Norway and Ireland.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Davey describes himself as a "strong free-trader", rejecting reciprocity in trade tariffs as "the classic protectionist argument". He believes Britain should be open to foreign investment, except for investment tainted by "smells that you have from Putin." 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.{{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}}

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."{{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 }}

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."{{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 }} However, after Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Davey said it was a “dark, dark day for people around the globe”, branded Trump a "dangerous, destructive demagogue", and said that Trump "actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security."{{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 }}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

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

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

Davey's appointment as Global Partner and non-Executive director of private equity investor Nord Engine Capital was announced in February 2016.{{cite web |title=The Team |url=http://nordenginecapital.co.uk/the-team/ |url-status=dead |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}}

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

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

Davey is the Chair of the All-Party Britain-Republic of Korea Parliamentary Group (APPG).{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

On 28 November 2024, Davey released the Christmas charity single "Love is Enough" featuring the Bath Philharmonia choir, entering the race to secure the Christmas number one.{{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 }} The song is "a tribute to the caring responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for."{{cite web |title=Bath Philharmonia {{!}} Orchestra {{!}} Bath |url=https://www.bathphil.co.uk |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Bath Phil }} His decision to do a Christmas song was inspired by his time as a chorister when he was a teenager. All money raised from downloads and streams of the song will go to the Carers Trust and Bath Philarmonia.{{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 }}

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.”{{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 }}

In the summer of 2005, Davey married Emily Gasson, the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Dorset at the that year's general election.{{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}} They have a son named John (born December 2007) and a daughter named Ellie.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} John also has speech difficulties, spurring Davey's interest in speech therapy.{{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}} The family lives in Surbiton, where Davey also lived before his election to Parliament in 1997.{{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}}{{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}}

In addition to his native English, Davey speaks French, German, and Spanish.{{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}} He is a supporter of Notts County FC.{{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}}

File:Knights Bachelor Medal.jpg insignia]]

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.{{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 }}

In 2001 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).{{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|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}}

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

Davey was knighted in the 2016 New Years Honours List for 'political and public service',{{London Gazette|issue=61450 |supp=y|page=N2|date=30 December 2015}}{{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}} enabling him to wear the Knight Bachelor neck decoration on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

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

• Liberal Democrat frontbench team

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{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}}
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_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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Category:1965 births

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