Nick Clegg: Former Lib Dem leader 'offered to stand down before election,' claims report
Mr Clegg was 'distraught about everything' following disastrous European Parliament and local council elections for his party
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Your support makes all the difference.Nick Clegg offered to stand down as Liberal Democrat leader after last year’s disastrous European Parliament and local council elections, according to a report.
He only decided to stay after canvassing opinion among a number of leading party members, including some of his opponents on the left of the party.
A senior Lib Dem said Mr Clegg told him at the time: “If I believe – and I think I’m very close to it – that I am the problem and not the solution, then I have to stand to one side.”
However, the insider replied: “You don’t have that luxury – this is your burden now, you have to carry it through to the election. Whether you believe that or not, it’s tough titty.”
The party’s president, Tim Farron, left a friend’s wedding to speak to Mr Clegg in a car park, The Guardian reported. “Nick was just distraught about everything,” said Mr Farron. “I just thought, ‘This could end up in a bloodbath’, and we’re far better off sticking with the captain who has done nothing to deserve this.
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