As I watched the drama on the university tuition fees vote unfold last week, both inside and outside of Parliament, it set me wondering about Nick Clegg’s leadership of the Liberal Democrat party. Here is a man trying to lead his party in a direction, on one specific issue, that many of the party members don’t want to go.
I can imagine the debate in the party about Nick Clegg’s leadership approach. Should he be supporting the views of the majority in the party on this issue or should he be supporting the wider interests of the coalition government? He has clearly decided that pinning his colours to the government’s mast is the best choice – but who defines best?
It does appear that for many Liberal Democrat voters, the university tuition fees issue is more one of trust than of policy. The approach suggested by Vince Cable may well be the best overall solution to the problem of university funding. However, it is in direct conflict with the pledges made by Liberal Democrat MP’s as they sought the votes of the electorate. This is why the Liberal Democrats are being singled out for such anger from students.
Nick Clegg is not the first political leader to break a promise to voters. What is fascinating is whether, having broken that promise, he can survive as leader in the long term. Once people feel let down by a leader it is very difficult to rebuild trust. There are two key tests of his leadership next year: the by-election in Oldham East and Saddleworth (formerly held by the now disgraced Phil Woolas) and the vote on changes to the election voting system. If both of those go badly for Nick Clegg then it is almost certain that the Liberal Democrats will be looking for a new leader. One who take them in the direction the majority of the party want to go.
I shall watch his leadership with interest.
By Jon Davies | Righttrack’s Interim International Business Development and Marketing Manager