Nick Clegg sees off power grab by Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes
NICK CLEGG has seen off an attempted power grab by the Lib Dems’ new deputy leader Simon Hughes.
When standing to become the party’s second-in-command, Mr Hughes had proposed to create a Lib Dem “Shadow Cabinet” even though the party is in government as part of the coalition.
Lib Dem leader and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg this week watered down the plan, replacing it with compromise committees for the party’s 37 backbenchers. Mr Clegg has also insisted on appointing the chairmen of the committees.
The move comes as Mr Clegg faces growing concerns that the Lib Dem “voice” is being lost in the coalition and unrest over tax plans.