Updated on
Summary
Nick Clegg has delivered his most outspoken attack on Gordon Brown, calling him a desperate politician as he signalled that he would find it difficult to do a deal with the Prime Minister in a hung parliament. Labour has become increasingly keen to ally itself with the Liberal Democrats as its chances of victory fade. But in his first newspaper interview since his partys shock rise in the opinion polls, Mr Clegg told The Daily Telegraph that Labour had failed to deliver in its 13 years in charge and could not be trusted now. He said: Brown systematically blocked, and personally blocked, political reform. I think he is a desperate politician and I just do not believe him. He added: And do I think Labour delivered fairness? No. Do I think the Labour Party in its heart has a faith in civil liberties? No. Do I think theyve delivered political reform? No. They are clutching at straws. The highly personal attack on Mr Browns integrity will lead to further speculation that the price for any deal with Labour would be that it ditches Mr Brown as leader. David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has been touted as a possible replacement who would be acceptable to the Lib Dems. Mr Brown made overtures to the Lib Dem leader in last weeks television debate, which catapulted Mr Cleggs popularity to previously unthinkable levels. However, Mr Clegg is exasperated with the way the Prime Minister has suddenly decided to talk about changing the electoral system. A Populus poll for The Times last night showed that the Lib Dems support has risen 10 points in a week. The party now stands on 31 per cent, with Labour down five points on 28 per cent and the Conservatives down four on 32 per cent. However, a ComRes poll for The Independent gave the Tories some relief, showing them on 35 per cent and enjoying a nine-point lead over both the Lib Dems and Labour. That would still leave Mr Cameron short of a majority.
