Ed Davey and Tiggy Walker

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Sir Ed Davey and writer, producer and director Tiggy Walker discuss themes of grief, loss and caring for loved ones that run through their latest highly personal books.

Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2020 and MP for Kingston and Surbiton, speaks about his own life in Why I Care and Why Care Matters and makes a passionate case for support for those who care for others. He explains how he lost his father at the age of four and how he and his brothers nursed his mother at home until she died of cancer when he was aged just 15. Davey says the experience led him to seek elected office. Today, he and his wife care for their son John, who has severe physical and learning difficulties. Davey calls for society, government and institutions to better recognise and support the carers who are a backbone of our community.

Walker, a patron of Carers UK, has just written a powerful memoir, Johnnie Walker, Both Sides Now: Laughter, Grief and Everything in Between, about the life and passing of her late husband, the Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker. Johnnie Walker passed away in December 2024 after 58 years on the airwaves. Tiggy Walker explores the final stages of her husband’s illness, reflects on their life together and considers the heartbreak of anticipating grief whilst juggling the practicalities of care.