The challenge for Clegg
James Forsyth 3:03pmA chastened looking Nick Clegg has just delivered his first speech as Lib Dem leader. It was actually a pretty decent performance, trying to tie both Labour and the Tories to Britain’s ‘broken politics’. It was also refreshing to hear him put social mobility at the top of his agenda.
There is, though, no getting away from the fact that this result is the worst possible start to his leadership. Clegg actually received fewer votes than Chris Huhne did in 2006. If Clegg trips up early on in his leadership he could find himself being written off before he's really got started. The margin of victory means that he is essentially on probation for at least the first six months of his tenure.
ps Clegg has clearly revived the Lib Dem doctrine of equi-distance, at least sartorially. He was wearing a pale blue shirt and a red tie.
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Comments
Simon
December 18th, 2007 3:39pmWell I told you so when you and Fraser were telling the world he was the next JFK a few months ago!
andrew
December 18th, 2007 4:55pmI thought it was a fairly feeble performance. He has obviously been taking voice lessons and he now sounds like rather a wet version of the rest of the speech coach alumni - strong man emphasis, faux sincerity etc.
Max Kaye
December 18th, 2007 8:04pmHe'd best start worrying about 'lean and hungry men'. I give him 6 months.
Oscar Miller
December 18th, 2007 9:46pmAgree with Andrew - I hate to say it but listening to Clegg I was slightly reminded of the dreaded 'quiet man turning up the volume' speech. Coached and false.