Clegg to conduct his first PMQs
By Ian Dunt
Nick Clegg is to conduct his first prime minister’s questions this week, in an event that would have been considered unimaginable just a few months ago.
With David Cameron in Washington, the deputy prime minister will fill his shoes at this week’s regular battle against acting Labour leader Harriet Harman.
Mr Clegg’s role answering questions on behalf of the government is a mile away from his position just before the election. Then the Liberal Democrat leader would struggle to be heard above the din of the Commons when he delivered his two set questions to Gordon Brown.
Labour MPs remain intensely hostile to Mr Clegg, who faces a tidal wave of anger each time he speaks in the Commons for his alliance with the Conservatives.
Ms Harman, who has failed to catch Mr Cameron off balance since the election, is noticeably more passionate and effective against Mr Clegg.
Following George Osborne’s Budget statement, most of the Labour leader’s response was dedicated to insulting the Lib Dems for deciding to cooperate with the Conservatives.
The PMQs session will be the last before parliament rises for the summer break.
