Ed Davey pledges to be “voice of carers” as he opens up about personal experience of care

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has today pledged to be the “voice of carers” as he said care will be at the heart of his party’s manifesto.

It comes as Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey opens up about his own experience as a carer for his severely disabled son John and caring for his mother as a child when she fell ill with cancer, in a party election broadcast to be aired this evening.

In the election broadcast, Ed discusses his caring responsibilities and how it has made him determined to stand up for millions of other family carers like him.

Ed’s wife Emily Davey has also spoken out about their experience, saying their story is one of “millions of other families.”

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“Caring is why I got into politics. It isn’t just my story, it is the story of millions, caring for each other, dealing with tough times, and keeping going with love. 

“Looking after my mum when she fell ill and now my son, I know that the challenges that millions of carers across the country face are immense.

“The Liberal Democrats will be the voice of carers every day, fighting their corner in Parliament. I am proud that we will be putting unpaid carers at the very heart of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.”

Ed’s wife Emily Davey said:

“Sharing our story has not been an easy decision. For years Edward has kept the story of his life, his father’s cancer, caring for his mother and then his nanna, and our time at home, as a private, personal thing. 

“But we have come to realise - as a family - that our story is not unique. It is the story of millions of other families too. We need people like Edward in power, people who care.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Reported by the Guardian here.

An advance version of the Party Election Broadcast can be viewed here. It will be broadcast this evening on BBC One at 6.55pm and ITV at 6.25pm.