THE GUARDIAN: Liberal Democrat leader says reform of electoral system, always a central plank of party's policy, is not his 'sole purpose in life'
Nick Clegg today risked the anger of the Liberal Democrat grassroots by suggesting he would not abandon the coalition with the Tories even if the key plans for electoral reform were blocked.
In a radio interview to be broadcast this weekend, the Lib Dem leader declared that reform of the electoral system, which has always been a central plank of the party's policy, was not his "sole purpose in life".
The comments came at the end of a week in which Clegg provoked unease among some within his party for agreeing with the appointment of Philip Green, the Top Shop boss whose tax affairs have been questioned, to advise on public sector cuts.
In the interview with Radio 4's Westminster Hour, the Lib Dem leader rejected suggestions that his party was being damaged by the alliance with the Tories, insisting no one would be taking "any notice" of the Lib Dems if they were not in government. >>> Staff and agencies | Friday, August 20, 2010
THE GUARDIAN: Leon Brittan, Tory who discovered Nick Clegg, returns to politics after 24 years: Coalition asks former home secretary, who gave Lib Dem leader job in Brussels, to return to frontline as a paid trade advisor >>> Allegra Stratton, political correspondent | Thursday, August 19, 2010
