Nick Clegg yesterday gained first-hand experience of the “muscular liberalism” he had earlier expounded when Lib Dem peers voted down ConDem government plans for elected police & crime commissioners.
The Guardian reports that the action marks a serious defeat on the coalition's first anniversary, especially for Clegg, who at the last minute sent whips round to convince his party's members to back the bill.
Some 13 Liberal Democrat peers, including the notable rebel Lord Oakeshott, were among the 188 peers who voted for an amendment which removed the gimmick of elected police officials. Enough Lib Dems also abstained to deny the government a majority.
The proposals were never likely to get a smooth ride through the Lords given that it was Lib Dem peer Lady Harris, vice-chairman of the Association of Police Authorities, who moved the amendment with backing from former Met commissioners, Lord Blair, Lord Condon and Lord Imbert. Their collective warning was that the imposition of the posts in place of police authorities would be akin to the appointment of commissars.
Meanwhile, an independent poll commissioned by the Institute of Government (IFG) suggests the government has failed to convince the public that coalitions are good for the country. More than two- thirds of people believe the government is weaker, less decisive and "confused" about what it stands for.
The IFG poll found that 63% of people think it is a bad thing that no party won a majority at the election – up from 55% a year ago. Some 68% think that coalition has created a weaker government, 73% believe government is less decisive and 80% say the government is "more confused" with a coalition.
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