The Deputy Prime Minister claimed that his power-sharing deal with the Conservatives will entrench his Liberal Democrats' values by the time of the next election. The Coalition’s policies are “liberalism in action,” Mr Clegg told a London think thank. Yes, I laughed too.
Thank God for Nick, the Saviour of Liberalism
The speech was intended to reassure wavering Lib Dem voters, but risked angering Conservatives who believe the Lib Dems are exerting too much influence over the government's agenda. Mr Clegg said: "Now that the Liberal Democrats are in government, liberal ideas are being deployed directly. What you are seeing is liberalism in action. He added: “I can tell you that as Deputy Prime Minister, my liberal instincts are stronger than ever. Our goal is clear: by the time of the next election, on 7 May 2015, Britain will be a more liberal nation.” That goal will be delivered “in partnership” with the Conservative Party, he said. “Our two parties are distinct and independent, but we are united in our zeal for reform.”
The Lib Dems’ poll ratings have dropped since the party took office, and a number of Lib Dem MPs and councillors have expressed concern about the policies the coalition is implementing. In particular, several Lib Dem MPs have criticised aspects of the Budget plan to raise taxes and cut spending by squeezing welfare. Mr Clegg insisted that his party was fully involved in the Budget process and backed drastic action to cut the deficit. He said: “Let me be crystal clear about where the Liberal Democrats stand. This was a Coalition Budget, not a Conservative Budget. The Liberal Democrats stand full-square behind the Budget judgment.”
One Conservative minister said Mr Clegg and his ministers were in danger of overreaching themselves and exaggerating their influence over the Government. He said: “The problem with the Lib Dems is they’re all excited about having real jobs for the first time ever, so they’re getting carried away. Some of them need to remember they are junior partners in a Conservative government.”
the Telegraph
