Ed Davey

The press reports considerable frustration among Liberal Democrat MPs who consider Davey too cautious, insufficiently visible on some issues and excessively dependent on media stunts. The debate comes after the party's substantial increase in parliamentary representation in 2024.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In May 2010, shortly after taking office, Davey initially refuses a meeting request from Alan Bates before meeting him several months later. As the scale of miscarriages of justice linked to Horizon becomes recognised, his oversight of the Post Office attracts strong criticism. In 2024, he apologises for not seeing through the company's assurances sooner and gives evidence to the public inquiry.

State of the evidence

Documented

Davey is found guilty of driving at 73 mph in a 60 mph zone. He had attempted to pay the fixed penalty but failed to provide the necessary driving licence information in time, resulting in a court hearing. He receives a fine and three penalty points.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Amid the British scandal over MPs' second jobs, Davey's paid consultancy work for two companies is highlighted, with substantial annual remuneration declared in the register of interests. A Lib Dem MP publicly acknowledges the perceived risk of conflicts of interest.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Under Davey, the government agrees in 2013 with EDF on the main commercial terms for Hinkley Point C, including a long-term guaranteed electricity price. Subsequent National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee reviews conclude that the arrangement exposed consumers to significantly higher costs and risks than initially anticipated.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After leaving government, Davey becomes a consultant for MHP Communications, whose clients include EDF. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments authorises the work subject to conditions, notably a ban on working on Hinkley Point C, an area for which he had held ministerial responsibility. The case fuels criticism of the 'revolving door' between government and lobbying.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

As Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Davey supports shale gas and hydraulic fracturing as a possible 'bridge' towards a cleaner energy system. His own scientific advisers nevertheless warn that, without a global climate agreement and genuine replacement of coal, shale development could increase global emissions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

As minister responsible for postal affairs, Davey is tasked from 2010 with preparing arrangements to permit substantial private investment in Royal Mail. The project encounters strong trade union opposition and becomes a defining economic policy of the coalition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Davey is among the Liberal Democrat MPs voting to raise the university tuition fee cap to £9,000 despite individual election pledges by party candidates to oppose any increase. The reversal becomes emblematic of the loss of public trust suffered by the party during the coalition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Ed Davey is named and suspended from the House for the day after defying the Speaker during a Liberal Democrat protest over the absence of a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The incident is one of the most dramatic episodes of the party's campaign on the issue.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated