Man charged with stalking after allegedly targeting Lib Dem leader Ed Davey

A man has been charged with stalking after allegedly targeting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and family.

Inigo Rowland, 58, was arrested on Monday for the offences alleged to have taken place over a series of months this year.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and will appear again in the coming week, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The 58-year-old has also been charged with possession of a flick knife.

Sir Ed, who has led the Lib Dems since 2020 and secured a record result for the party with 72 MPs at last year's general election, has not publicly commented.

A party spokeswoman said: "We cannot provide any details at this time, Ed’s number one priority is the safety of his family."

The Lib Dem leader lives in South West London with his wife Emily, their daughter, Ellie, and disabled son, John.

He has frequently spoken about his 17-year-old son who requires full-time care for an undiagnosed neurological condition.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “Inigo Rowland, 58, of Surbiton has been charged with stalking and possession of a flick knife.

"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.

“He was arrested on Monday, 6 October in relation to the offences, which are alleged to have taken place between June and October.”

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