Clegg complains over 'calamity' gaffe

Clegg denies 'flip flopping' over policy

Monday, 19, Nov 2007 12:00

Lib Dem leadership hopeful Nick Clegg has launched a complaint over a document that described him as a "calamity".

Mr Clegg's leadership team have complained to the Lib Dem chief whip over the "Calamity Clegg" dossier, which was produced by Chris Huhne's office.

Mr Huhne has "sincerely apologised" for the document, which was blamed on an "overly zealous researcher".

The environment spokesman was confronted with the document during a leadership exchange on BBC One's Politics Show.

Mr Huhne insisted he had no knowledge of the document and "disassociated himself from it."

But, he said Mr Clegg had been "flip-flopping" over policy.

He said: "I don't support describing anybody a 'calamity', that's absolute nonsense, but I do think we've had a series of flip-flops on this issue from Nick."

Mr Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, said Mr Huhne was creating synthetic issues that the party's rivals "will use against us."

He said: "With respect, Chris, this contest is not about me meeting false challenges that you put up to me. It's about me saying what I think the Liberal Democrats need to do for the country, to make Britain a more liberal place."

Mr Huhne, MP for Eastleigh, maintains his rival has failed to communicate clear policies on nuclear weapons, education and management of the NHS.

Mr Clegg retorted: "I have said to you until I'm blue in the face that my position is very clear on all the issues…where what you are seeking to do is believe the worst that is said about me."

Acting Lib Dem leader Vince Cable downplayed the ugly turn in the leadership contest. He told BBC 5 Live it seemed typical in the circumstances.

Ballot papers will be sent out to the 70,000 Lib Dem members this week as voting gets underway.

A World This Weekend poll suggests Mr Clegg is leading among grassroots supporters, as well as Westminster MPs.

The 40-year-old has the backing of 43 constituency chairs in held or marginal seats, compared to 30 backing Mr Huhne.