Putting care at the heart of politics: Ed Davey's message resonates in Runnymede

How the Liberal Democrat leader's deeply personal approach to politics is already making a difference locally

When Ed speaks about care, it's with the authority of someone who understands exactly what it means to look after those you love when they need you most. His message of "politics with care" isn't political spin – it's a philosophy born from lived experience that's already transforming how we do politics, both nationally and right here in Runnymede.

This month's publication of Ed's deeply personal book, "Why I Care: And Why Care Matters," reveals the experiences that shaped his political vision. At just four, he lost his father. At fifteen, he and his brothers cared for their terminally ill mother at home until she died. Today, he and his wife Emily provide round-the-clock care for their son John, who has severe physical and learning disabilities.

"Caring is how we know we're alive," Ed writes. "The good in all of us has been shaped by care." It's this understanding that sets Liberal Democrats apart – recognising that behind every policy decision are real people, real families, and real caring relationships.

Care in action across Runnymede

This approach is already bearing fruit in Runnymede. Since the formation of the Runnymede Council Alliance in May 2024, with Liberal Democrat co-leader Don Whyte working alongside Labour, Green, and Independent councillors, we've seen a fundamental shift in how the council operates.

The Alliance represents something unprecedented – four different political groups working together because residents across Runnymede voted for change. As the co-leaders explained: "Residents in different areas have voted for different alternative parties to represent them. To fairly represent our residents, we must ensure all those different viewpoints are heard."

This collaborative approach embodies the caring politics Ed champions – putting residents' needs before party politics, listening to different voices, and working together for the common good.

Practical support for those who need it most

The Liberal Democrat approach to care goes beyond warm words. Our groundbreaking Financial Inclusion Project, launched in April 2024, perfectly demonstrates what politics with care looks like in action.

In just nine months, this innovative initiative has transformed lives while recovering over £1.5 million for the council. Housing Benefit debt has fallen from £848,908 to £733,699, Council Tax arrears have dropped from £3.9 million to £2.5 million, and parking debts have been reduced from £164,000 to £99,103.

But the real success lies in the human stories. A 67-year-old resident on a state pension of just £500 per month received help with Housing Benefit reviews and successful applications for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. A working mother struggling with multiple debts got support to secure Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance for her daughter, bringing in an additional £1,286 per month and helping the family escape the cycle of financial hardship.

As co-leader Don Whyte explained: "This project perfectly demonstrates our Alliance's commitment to compassionate and effective governance. By taking a person-centred approach to debt recovery, we're not only improving the council's finances but also making a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents."

The project distinguishes between those who "won't pay" and those who "can't pay," providing appropriate support for each situation. This compassionate approach proves that good financial management and social responsibility can go hand in hand – exactly what politics with care means in practice.

Our recent support for the 2024 Renters Reform Bill shows how this extends beyond council services. As New Haw councillor Mike Smith explained: "This bill represents a crucial step towards rebalancing the power between tenants and landlords, making a real difference to the lives of residents across our community."

The reforms – ending no-fault evictions, improving housing standards, and protecting vulnerable tenants from discrimination – are exactly the kind of policies that flow from understanding care as central to good governance.

Similarly, our work on bringing empty homes back into use through Council Tax premiums recognises that housing isn't just about statistics – it's about families needing somewhere safe to call home. 

Transparency and accountability as acts of care

Even seemingly technical changes like introducing live streaming of council meetings reflect this caring approach. After years of Liberal Democrat advocacy, residents can now watch council meetings online, making local democracy more accessible. This matters because transparency is itself an act of care – ensuring residents can hold their representatives accountable and understand the decisions affecting their lives.

Looking forward with compassion

Ed's success in the 2024 general election – delivering the Liberal Democrats' best result since the 1920s – shows that voters respond to politics rooted in genuine care and compassion. His campaign focused on social care and fixing the NHS precisely because these are the issues that touch every family at some point.

Here in Runnymede, we're already seeing how this approach works in practice. The Alliance's commitment to collaboration over confrontation, our Financial Inclusion Project helping vulnerable residents whilst improving council finances, and our determination to listen to all residents reflects the values Ed champions.

As Ed writes in his book, this isn't just his story – it's the story of millions. Every family in Runnymede has experienced care in some form, whether looking after children, supporting elderly parents, or helping neighbours through difficult times.

Politics with care recognises this fundamental truth: we're all interconnected, we all need support sometimes, and good governance should reflect the caring relationships that hold our communities together.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, this approach offers hope for a different kind of politics – one where decisions are made with compassion, where the most vulnerable are protected, and where caring for each other isn't seen as weakness but as strength.

In Runnymede, we're proud to be part of this movement. Whether it's through the Alliance's collaborative leadership, our Financial Inclusion Project transforming lives while improving council finances, our support for tenant rights, or our commitment to transparency, we're showing that politics can be done differently.

Ed's message resonates because it speaks to our better angels – the recognition that a society's strength isn't measured by the wealth of its richest members, but by how it treats those who need support most.

That's the politics of care. And that's the future we're working to build, both nationally and right here in Runnymede.

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