Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has released a charity single in an attempt to claim the Christmas number one spot.
Sir Ed has released the tune in association with Bath Philharmonia’s Young Carers’ Choir, and it celebrates the work of young people that act as carers.
The Liberal Democrat leader himself was a young carer for his mother – who died when he was in his mid-teens. His father had died when Sir Ed was four.
Announcing the single – titled Love Is Enough – Sir Ed spoke of his time in the choir, including singing a solo at a Christmas carol service in 1978 as a 13-year-old.
The MP said: “When I sang ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ 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.
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“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.”
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Sir Ed added: “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.”
The song was written by six young carers and former young carers, and is a “tribute to the caring responsibilities of young carers and the bond they share with the people they care for”.
All money raised from downloads and streams of the charity single will go to the Carers Trust and Bath Philharmonia.
Jason Thornton, the music director of Bath Philharmonia, said: “At Bath Phil, we believe every young person has a story to tell, regardless of where they are on their musical journey.
“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.”
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The number one Christmas single will be announced on Friday 20 December, with Last Christmas by Wham! the current favourite according to bookies.
There are regular campaigns to get the title of Christmas number one, including the successful attempt to get Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine to the top in 2009 to break a string of The X Factor winners taking the title.
