Sir Ed Davey is dropping a brand new Christmas single, as the Liberal Democrat leader enters the race for the festive season’s coveted No 1 spot.
Davey has joined forces with Bath Philarmonia’s Young Carers’ Choir to launch the new song “Love is Enough” to the top of the Christmas charts, the Lib Dems have announced.
The charity Christmas song has been written by six young carers and former young carers, and serves as a tribute to the responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for.
Following in the footsteps of Christmas single icons like East17 and Michael Bublé, Love is Enough will be released on Thursday 28 November.
It will cap off a year of wild and outrageous stunts from the Liberal Democrat leader, whose attention-grabbing escapades previously peaked during the general election campaign.
But Davey has now swapped the water slide for the recording studio and his soggy wet suit for the warm embrace of a Christmas jumper, as part of his bid to become the first ever politician to conquer the holiday music charts.
The single will be available to download from iTunes for 99p, with all proceeds going to Carers Trust and Bath Philharmonia, as well as to stream on other platforms.
The closest the Lib Dem leader has come to releasing a hit song in recent time was a parody of his election stunt antics, which likened Sir Ed to fashion doll Barbie’s often neglected but energetic boyfriend, Ken. However, that was recorded by an admirer of Davey’s exploits, and not the man himself.
It is also understood that the idea to record a Christmas song was entirely Sir Ed’s — inspired by his time as a chorister when he was also a young carer as a teenager.
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The original writers of Love is Enough met with other young carers from Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Dorset in Bath last month to record the song professionally with a full orchestra, 20 singers and the Liberal Democrat Leader.
The recording is produced by Brian Rawling and Paul Meehan for Metrophonic Productions.
Last year, the Christmas No 1 spot was filled by Wham! and their 1984 single, “Last Christmas”, following one of the fiercest chart battles in recent memory.
Wham! fought off competition from such heavyweights as Mariah Carey and her immortal hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, and The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s “Fairytale of New York”.
Sir Ed will face similarly tough competition this year.
Commenting ahead of the release of his festive tune, Davey said: “When I sang ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ in my local church in 1978, neither I nor my brothers nor my mum fully appreciated how much our lives were all about to change.
“For mum’s cancer was getting worse and I was becoming a young carer. The next two and a half years before my mother eventually died were extremely tough, but they were also full of love. When I heard the opening lyrics to ‘Love is Enough’ — “every second we have left is worth a thousand others” — they struck home and meant so much.
“It was a joy to spend time with this amazing group of young carers, to see their incredible talents, energy and love. With the wonderful Bath Philharmonia, they have created something that I’m sure will strike a chord not only with other young carers — often invisible in our communities — but also with all carers and families.
“I hope people listen to this song and download it and are as impressed as I am by the amazing talent of these young carers. I hope people take some time this Christmas to think about this amazing group of people who look after their loved ones from such an early age. This time of year is tough for all carers, particularly young ones — let’s put them in the spotlight.”
Bath Philharmonia’s Music Director, Jason Thornton, said: “At Bath Phil, we believe every young person has a story to tell, regardless of where they are on their musical journey. Our unique approach to co-creating music empowers young carers to amplify their voices and celebrates the incredible roles they play in caring for others.
“When creating Love is Enough, the young carers shared a profound message: love is everywhere, even when it’s taken for granted. They wanted to remind us all that, no matter who or where you are, there is always someone out there for you.
“Ed Davey, drawing on his own lived experience as a young carer, has shown these remarkable young people that they are seen, valued, and not alone. By downloading Love is Enough, you’ll help Bath Phil expand its work with isolated young carers across the UK, offering them the chance to share their stories and find hope through the transformative power of music.”
Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for young carers. What should be a time of festive fun can, too often, be a time of hard work and stress. That’s why we’re delighted Sir Ed Davey has teamed up with Bath Phil and a talented team of young carers to share his singing skills. It’s so important at this time of year, not just to thank young carers, but also to focus attention on the incredible challenges young carers face and the support they need.
“Having a caring role can have a devastating impact on a young person’s education, mental health and future prospects. Carers Trust’s network of local carer services provide desperately-needed advice, opportunities and breaks for young carers around the country. Everyone who downloads or streams this song can help us to transform young carers’ lives.”
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
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