A deeply personal account of life as a carer and a call to support those who care for others

‘It’s a tough job, caring. But the thing about being a carer is you develop these amazing relationships. As I’ve got older and had all those caring responsibilities, seen life through the eyes of my son, I could not be more passionate or determined to sort out caring in this country.’

Caring for others is the thread that runs through the life of Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Ed Davey's father was from a mining family in Nottinghamshire; his mother the daughter of domestic servants As a boy of only four Ed lost his father, John, to cancer. A few short years later his mother too became ill with cancer and for four years Ed and his brother nursed her at home, administering morphine and electric shocks, until she died when Ed was just 15. His grandfather died unexpectedly a few years later, leaving Ed to look after his grandmother too. And Ed and his wife now care for their son John, who is severely disabled, as well as raising their daughter. He has very real experience of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by the millions of carers in Britain today.

Why I Care is a deeply personal and impactful memoir-cum-manifesto, drawing on Ed’s own profound experiences as a carer and those of countless others he has encountered. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling, in-depth interviews, and thoughtful analysis, Ed sheds light on the often-invisible world of carers and issues a clarion call to society to recognize, support, and lift up the millions of carers who form the backbone of our communities.

This isn’t just Ed’s story, it's the story of millions, caring for each other, dealing with tough times, and keeping going with love.

About Ed Davey's care journey…

‘[Davey] is unusually open and approachable, guileless. … He tells [his] story matter-of-factly, but it’s full of searingly sad details.’ The Guardian

‘He has overcome the most astonishing series of setbacks. … but he doesn’t feel unfortunate. He just wants the Liberal Democrats to become the voice for carers and the NHS. The Liberal Democrat leader lost his father aged four. As a teenager, he nursed his dying mum. His wife, Emily, has multiple sclerosis and his son, John, 16, has a neurological disorder. For him, politics really is personal.’ The Times

‘Though Davey was first elected as an MP in 1997 it is only now that he has decided to talk about this part of his life, his role as a carer. … As a constituency MP, Davey had helped many families with disabled children fight for access to care, particularly with education, health and care plans, and so when it came to getting support for John he assumed his experience … would make it easier.’ The Sunday Times