Clegg launches Liberal Democrat fightback in the North

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post ahead of his keynote address in Brighton this afternoon, the Liberal Democrat leader dismissed the critics who “always seek to throw stones” at whoever is the Government of the day, telling them – “we are not the party for you”.

In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Clegg revealed ambitions to extend his ‘City Deal’ devolution packages to every town and city in the country, making them “the norm not the exception.”

And he launched a withering attack on critics of his flagship Regional Growth Fund, accusing them of “political 
opportunism” in picking apart a policy he insists is making a real difference to Yorkshire’s struggling economy.

Asked if his party could still deliver its message in the North against a resurgent Labour, he said: “Yes – I wouldn’t be sitting here now if I didn’t think I had fuel in the tank and wasn’t capable of doing so.

“I know more than most Liberal Democrats what it means to fight against the mendacity and lies of Labour and their trade union-funded campaigns.”

In his showpiece speech to Lib Dem members in Brighton this afternoon, Mr Clegg will seek to draw a line under the first half of his party’s term in coalition and insist they are now a genuine party of Government for good.

With his leadership being called into question as the party’s poll ratings flat-line, he will tell delegates there is “no turning back”.

And he will return to his favoured theme of social mobility, revealing new targeted support for young children falling behind in English and maths.