Menu
12/03/2012
Party Split On Health Bill Leaves Clegg Isolated
Nick Clegg’s leadership of the Liberal Democrat party could be under threat after the party refused the back the NHS reform bill at its conference on the weekend.
After a 45-minute debate the party voted 314 to 270 to delete a call for the party's peers to vote for the health bill's third reading, the closest they could get to an outright rejection of the reforms.
Clegg's aides acknowledged the strength of feeling in the party grassroots by effectively disowning the bill as not a Liberal Democrat one, remarks that will anger the health secretary, Andrew Lansley.
Clegg had earlier called on his party to endorse the party approach and support Lady Williams, their senior peer, and not Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary.
However, senior party figures said they will now be telling Clegg he has to show he is listening to his party and that further substantial changes should be sought, even though the bill has nearly completed its tortuous parliamentary passage.
Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughed has revealed he will ask Clegg to back call for the Department of health to publish the health bill’s risk register, which assess potential problems which could be caused by the reforms. The department has yet to respond to an earlier information tribunal ruling that the register should be published.
Former Lib Dem MP Dr Evan Harris said: "The Liberal Democrats have clearly and democratically told their leaders that they do not support the bill. This cannot be ignored."
Party activists acknowledged that they could not tell peers how to vote, but felt at least their political honour had been salvaged by the expression of their opposition.
(H)
After a 45-minute debate the party voted 314 to 270 to delete a call for the party's peers to vote for the health bill's third reading, the closest they could get to an outright rejection of the reforms.
Clegg's aides acknowledged the strength of feeling in the party grassroots by effectively disowning the bill as not a Liberal Democrat one, remarks that will anger the health secretary, Andrew Lansley.
Clegg had earlier called on his party to endorse the party approach and support Lady Williams, their senior peer, and not Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary.
However, senior party figures said they will now be telling Clegg he has to show he is listening to his party and that further substantial changes should be sought, even though the bill has nearly completed its tortuous parliamentary passage.
Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughed has revealed he will ask Clegg to back call for the Department of health to publish the health bill’s risk register, which assess potential problems which could be caused by the reforms. The department has yet to respond to an earlier information tribunal ruling that the register should be published.
Former Lib Dem MP Dr Evan Harris said: "The Liberal Democrats have clearly and democratically told their leaders that they do not support the bill. This cannot be ignored."
Party activists acknowledged that they could not tell peers how to vote, but felt at least their political honour had been salvaged by the expression of their opposition.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2012
Clegg To Urge Party To 'Stick With The Coalition'
In Nick Clegg’s address to the Liberal Democrat conference later today he is expected to urge his party to stick with the coalition and insist the government is on a path to prosperity. In his end-of-conference-speech, the deputy prime minister will also pledge extra money for 110,000 children struggling with maths and English.
Clegg To Urge Party To 'Stick With The Coalition'
In Nick Clegg’s address to the Liberal Democrat conference later today he is expected to urge his party to stick with the coalition and insist the government is on a path to prosperity. In his end-of-conference-speech, the deputy prime minister will also pledge extra money for 110,000 children struggling with maths and English.
23 September 2009
Lib Dem 'Not A Wasted Vote' Says Clegg
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has urged discontented Labour voters to switch to 'yellow' rather than 'blue'. Mr Clegg, speaking from his party's conference in Bournemouth, said a vote for the Lib Dems was not a wasted one, claiming the Tories should not be allowed to 'sleepwalk' into government. "You don't think we're contenders.
Lib Dem 'Not A Wasted Vote' Says Clegg
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has urged discontented Labour voters to switch to 'yellow' rather than 'blue'. Mr Clegg, speaking from his party's conference in Bournemouth, said a vote for the Lib Dems was not a wasted one, claiming the Tories should not be allowed to 'sleepwalk' into government. "You don't think we're contenders.
02 February 2012
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
02 March 2006
Sir Menzies becomes new Lib Dem leader
Sir Menzies Campbell has won the Liberal Democrat leadership contest to become party leader. Sir Menzies, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson and the acting party leader, gained 58% of the final round vote. He beat Chris Huhne, the party's economic spokesperson, who came second, and party president Simon Hughes, who came third.
Sir Menzies becomes new Lib Dem leader
Sir Menzies Campbell has won the Liberal Democrat leadership contest to become party leader. Sir Menzies, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson and the acting party leader, gained 58% of the final round vote. He beat Chris Huhne, the party's economic spokesperson, who came second, and party president Simon Hughes, who came third.
25 January 2006
Lib Dems leadership nominations close
Nominations for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party have closed. Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
Lib Dems leadership nominations close
Nominations for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party have closed. Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
