Nick Clegg refuses to rule out joining a new centrist party
3 min read
Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today refused to rule out joining a new political party aimed at capturing the political centre ground.
The ex-MP for Sheffield Hallam said liberals should be "open to doing what they think is right and consistent with their values” rather than remain bound to a party by tribalism.
But he insisted he would not join a movement reportedly being backed by LoveFilm tycoon Simon Franks.
According to reports at the weekend, the movie rental mogul has been employing full-time staff on the project and has access to a fund of up to £50m drive it forward.
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if he could join and even lead the new movement, Mr Clegg said: “Of course not.”
“I’m a Liberal Democrat and I’ve got absolutely no plans to join a party which, if I understand it correctly from yesterday’s Observer, isn’t even in existence,” he went on.
But he said there was a "gaping hole in the middle of British politics" which if not plugged by the Lib Dems should be filled by another centrist party.
"I am relatively un-tribal," he explained. "But I personally have always felt that liberal values... are more important than which particular vehicle is carrying them at any particular time."
And he added: “I think other people - whether it’s liberals or liberal conservatives… should always be open to doing what they think is right and consistent with their values rather than being high bound by whatever political tribe they are in."
Mr Clegg said any new party was likely to come from the wing of the Labour party unhappy at its direction under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.
And he argued only a split in Labour could lead to a “cascade of events” which could trigger a “meaningful realignment” in British politics.
But the former deputy PM warned: “I’m a little sceptical that entirely untested new entities can turn up with a big cheque at the political races and expect to sweep the board.”
Yesterday, senior Labour figures rubbished reports that a new party could launch - taking aim at the suggestion it would be backed by a select number of wealthy donors.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said it would be “a party for the few not the many” while Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Jon Trickett said it would be “a plaything for the rich”.
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