Discord in the Tory - Lib Dem coalition has reached a new level of seriousness as Nick Clegg launches a personal attack on David Cameron in an exclusive interview with the Independent of Sunday, 24 April. In the interview, Clegg accuses Cameron of “defending the indefensible” and telling “lies, misinformation and deceit”. The lash is a response to comments made by Cameron in his NO to AV campaign, in particular the claim that AV would favour small extremist parties aroused Clegg’s anger.
Clegg’s outburst comes after weeks in which he’s been relatively silent whilst being personally attacked many a time by Cameron and other opponents of AV, mainly Tories.
The difference in opinion between the two parties on this issue has been apparent since well before this cabinet was formed and the agreement to have the referendum held has been key for Clegg to enter into the coalition. Something Clegg clearly has not foreseen is the influence the AV debate would turn out to have on the relation between the two.
With the result of the referendum destined to feel like a defeat for either of the coalition partners it doesn’t seem to be a given the two will be able to sooth their relation.
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