In a case that has sent ripples through British politics, a 58-year-old man from Surbiton, southwest London, has been charged with stalking Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey and his family, as well as possession of a flick knife. The allegations, which cover a four-month period from June to October 2025, have raised concerns about the safety and security of public figures and their loved ones.
According to court documents and statements from the Metropolitan Police, Inigo Rowland is accused of repeatedly turning up at the home of Sir Ed Davey—the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton—"unannounced" and on "numerous" occasions. As reported by BBC News, these incidents are alleged to have taken place between June and October this year, prompting a swift police response and subsequent legal proceedings.
Rowland was arrested on Monday, 6 October 2025, in connection with the offences. The following day, he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded into custody. The Metropolitan Police confirmed, "He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 7 October and was remanded into custody. He will next appear at the same court on Tuesday, 14 October." This timeline has been echoed across multiple news outlets, including Sky News and The Sun, emphasizing the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Sir Ed Davey, 59, is a prominent figure in British politics, having first won the Kingston and Surbiton seat in 1997. After a brief setback—losing his seat in 2015—he regained it in 2017 and rose to become leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2020. He lives in southwest London with his wife, Emily, and their two children: John, who is 17 and has a neurological condition and learning difficulties, and his younger sister, Ellie. The family’s circumstances have made the alleged stalking all the more distressing for those involved and for supporters of the party.
The impact of the alleged actions on the Davey family has been a central concern. A Liberal Democrats spokesperson told BBC News, "We cannot provide any details at this time; Ed's number-one priority is the safety of his family." This sentiment was echoed in statements to other outlets, with a party representative emphasizing, "Ed’s number one priority is the safety of his family." The repeated use of this line across statements suggests a deep sense of caution and a desire to protect the privacy and well-being of the Davey family during an understandably stressful period.
Details emerging from court documents indicate that Rowland’s alleged behavior was persistent and invasive. As reported by The Sun, he is accused of turning up at the MP’s address "numerous times" over the four-month period. The possession of a flick knife adds a further layer of concern, raising questions about the potential risks posed not only to Sir Ed and his family but also to public figures more broadly.
While the Met Police have provided a clear timeline of events, they have not elaborated on the specifics of the alleged stalking incidents, citing the ongoing legal process. A spokesperson stated, "He was arrested on Monday, 6 October in relation to the offences, which are alleged to have taken place between June and October." The lack of detailed information is typical in cases involving active investigations and legal proceedings, especially when the safety of a public figure and their family is at stake.
The case has reignited conversations about the security of politicians and their families in the UK. Incidents of stalking and harassment targeting MPs have become a growing concern in recent years, with several high-profile cases prompting calls for enhanced security measures. The arrest and charging of Rowland serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those in public life, as well as the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement agencies.
Sir Ed Davey’s career has been marked by both achievement and adversity. After entering Parliament in 1997, he served his constituency for nearly two decades before losing his seat in the 2015 general election. His return to Parliament in 2017 was seen by many as a testament to his resilience and commitment to public service. In 2020, he was elected leader of the Liberal Democrats, taking the helm at a time of significant political upheaval in the UK.
The Davey family’s personal story has also resonated with many in the public. Their son John’s neurological condition and learning difficulties have been referenced in several media reports, highlighting the additional challenges faced by the family. According to Sky News, Sir Ed and Emily “have one son John, who has severe disabilities, and a daughter named Ellie.” Such details bring a human dimension to the case, reminding readers that behind every headline are real people grappling with real fears and anxieties.
The next steps in the legal process are already scheduled. Rowland is set to appear again at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. The outcome of this hearing will be closely watched, not only by those directly involved but also by the wider political community and the public at large. The case has underscored the need for vigilance and support for those in public service, particularly when their families are drawn into the spotlight through no fault of their own.
While the Liberal Democrats have declined to comment further, citing the need to prioritize the safety and privacy of the Davey family, the party’s message has been clear and consistent. Their spokesperson’s repeated statement—“We cannot provide any details at this time, Ed’s number one priority is the safety of his family”—reflects both the seriousness of the situation and the party’s determination to shield its leader’s loved ones from further distress.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case of Inigo Rowland stands as a sobering illustration of the potential dangers faced by politicians and their families. It also serves as a call to action for authorities and the public alike to remain vigilant, support those targeted by such behavior, and ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly. The coming weeks will reveal more about the specifics of the case, but for now, the focus remains firmly on the safety and well-being of the Davey family and the broader implications for public life in the UK.
