Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey fined for speeding

“I apologise,” Sir Ed wrote.

“The only mitigation for failing to provide my licence details was just being super-busy and failing to read the form fully, having already accepted liability and made arrangements for the payment.

“Again, I apologise for that. I would like to add that I am the primary driver in a family of four, with two people who have serious mobility issues.

“My son has a lifelong undiagnosed disability which means he cannot walk – we use a Motability vehicle for him.

“My wife has MS, and walks very slowly with a stick, though she can drive as necessary. Thank you for any mitigation you feel able to show in my case.”

He was handed a £72 fine at Luton Magistrates’ Court, with a £28 victim surcharge, and had three points added to his licence, court staff confirmed.

He was not asked to pay prosecution costs. He did not have to appear in court.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: “Ed inadvertently broke the speed limit on the M1, which he is sorry for.

“He has paid the fine and accepted the points on his licence.”

The Lib Dem leader has since swapped the Ford B-Max he was caught speeding in for his party’s yellow general election battle bus, as he tours the country meeting voters and staging stunts for the cameras.