In Praise of the Independent: Finding strengths in Nick Clegg

In Praise of the Independent: Finding strengths in Nick Clegg.

Conservatism has been ‘diluted’ by the Lib Dems.

What was everyone saying about the Lib Dems being the Conservative’s ‘lap-dogs’?

First the a report is published which says that 75% of the Liberal Democrat manifesto is being implemented in government. Then we had the whole ‘Yellow Bastards’ nickname flying around, and now the Daily Mail and the Right are saying, or reinforcing, the notion that the Liberal Democrats (with only five cabinet members) have ‘diluted Conservatism’.

“MPs complain Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg has forced Mr Cameron to water down policies on Europe, free schools, tax cuts, human rights, NHS reforms, elected police commissioners and abortion.”

A book is being published – The Future of Conservatism -, including 26 essays by MPs and Advisers, reflecting the unease that the Conservative benches at the influence of Nick Clegg and the Lib Dem coalition-partners.

Some of the comments on the article are…. funny to say the least? – and representative of the Mail’s readership.

“If they feel that way then call a leadership vote and get rid of that pathetic europhile now in charge. Nadine Morris had a good point. He cant even stand up to that pathetic Clegg and the party of lunatics he leads.”

“Considering that the Liberal vote wennt down at the election and that they lost seats rather than gaining them, it is absurd and disgusting that they have been allowed to have such influence. Our so-called coalition is dominated by the minor (very minor) partner. The Conservatives must have the guts to stand by their policies, which gained them the majority of votes and the majority of seats.”

‘What Nick can do next…’

‘What Nick can do next…’ is a blog post over on Lib Dem Voice by Stephen Tall, the site’s Editor. The article looks at a question posed by The Guardian’s Michael White on the future of Nick Clegg as Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick’s image and the next General Election in 2015.

The original article – “Nick Clegg is doing better, but will it be enough?” – looks at Nick’s speech to the Parliamentary Press Gallery (including what the press did and didn’t include about this well received speech), and puts it in context in terms of Nick’s image as a Leader, politician and Deputy Prime Minister, and the affect of this on the party, in terms of the next General Election.

Opposition parties, the media and all those looking in on UK politics and have scrutinised Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg for his and the party’s ‘u-turns’ and failure to implement the party’s election manifesto as part of a Coalition government. However, as most Lib Dems believe – and some political commentators – when the extent of Lib Dem influence on Government policy comes through, people’s view on the party will – hopefully – change.

You can read the Lib Dem Voice article, with all it’s links and references, here.