Key Tory lays into Hughes
By politics.co.uk staff The Conservatives’ deputy leader on the London Assembly has branded Simon Hughes “a d*ck”. James Cleverly made the comments on his Twitter account on the 100th day of the coalition. “We may be coalition partners but it doesn’t stop me thinking Simon Hughes is a d*ck,” he wrote. Speaking on his blog […]
Lib Dems ‘need backbench veto’
By politics.co.uk staff Liberal Democrat backbenchers should be given a veto against decisions taken by government ministers, Simon Hughes has suggested. The deputy Lib Dem leader, who has become an increasingly vocal proponent of a distinct party voice in government, made the comments on the 100th day of the coalition. He told the BBC the […]
Clegg: ‘Holding the fort’ but not acting PM
By Ian Dunt Nick Clegg has clarified his role while David Cameron takes a break from work, saying he is “holding the fort” but not acting prime minister. The formulation is a distinct change from the arrangements under Gordon Brown’s tenure, when deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman took charge. Speaking at a Q&A event at […]
Lib Dems turn back on electoral pact
By politics.co.uk staff The Liberal Democrats have ruled out an electoral pact with their coalition partners. Deputy leader Simon Hughes said the Conservative party could expect to be challenged by Lib Dem candidates in local elections and at the 2015 general election. “We will fight the next election in every seat,” Mr Hughes said. “Our […]
Clegg defends the coalition’s first 100 days
By politics.co.uk staff Nick Clegg has offered a defence of the coalition government’s first 100 days in power, as he starts an important week in government. The deputy prime minister will be effectively running the country this week, as David Cameron retreats to his Chequers address and then on holiday in Cornwall. Mr Clegg will […]
Charles Kennedy splits from wife
By politics.co.uk staff Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy and his wife Sarah are to split, lawyers for the couple have confirmed. A statement confirmed the end of their eight-year marriage was taking place without animosity. “It is with great sadness that we have decided that we will be separating,” the couple said. “In doing […]
Public failing to register Lib Dem ministers
By politics.co.uk staff Senior Liberal Democrat ministers are yet to make the same impact on the general public as their Conservative colleagues, research suggests. A survey by the Sunday Telegraph newspaper indicated more people knew who the biggest names in the Tory party were than Lib Dem Cabinet minister – with the exception of deputy […]
Cable struggles to contain discomfort
By politics.co.uk staff Vince Cable has yet again signalled his ongoing discomfort at the coalition government’s agenda in a newspaper interview. The emergency Budget, which included the controversial VAT hike to 20% and plans for departmental budgets to be cut by a quarter, has left many Liberal Democrats uncomfortable. None hold as senior a position […]
Comment: How long until we catch up with Simon Hughes?
Simon Hughes’ stint as deputy Lib Dem leader reveals the tactic the party will use to recover its support. By Ian Dunt In my more narcissistic moments, I imagine how pleasant it must be for Simon Hughes, whose every utterance prompts over-excited headlines about the end of the government. Maybe I’m alone in wishing my […]
Floella Benjamin linked to mayoral challenge
By politics.co.uk staff The Liberal Democrats could pick former Play School presenter Floella Benjamin as their candidate for the 2012 London mayoral election, according to a report. Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham, who was ennobled after the general election, is being viewed as a potential challenger to incumbent Boris Johnson, the Mirror newspaper reported. Sketch: In […]
