I won’t let politics destroy family - Miriam

The couple resisted pressure to move their sons Antonio, Alberto and Miguel into a Whitehall flat after the last election, choosing instead to maintain their home in Putney.

She said: “A lot of families have been destroyed in politics. My boys have the right to their innocence, to their life.

“It was a big decision. We knew it had some minuses, but it was the best thing for the children.”

In the interview the Deputy Prime Minister insists he is not going to try and use his wife’s popularity to improve his own image.

And Mrs Gonzalez Durantez claims she is untroubled by the criticism her husband has faced since leading the Liberal Democrats into coalition in 2010.

“It would be much more trouble if I was unable to put it in perspective at night. Whatever has happened, it’s not the end of the world.”

The couple reveal they share childcare responsibilities but Mr Clegg, the Sheffield Hallam MP, admits: “I’m afraid equality does not prevail in the kitchen.”

A hugely successful international trade lawyer, Mrs Gonzalez Durantez discusses her Inspiring Women campaign designed to connect teenage girls with older female role models.

“I believe that every single woman can choose what they do with their lives – as men do – and not have to give explanations to society about what they have chosen. That’s that,” she said.

“I sometimes get tired of all the talk. I do think it is important, talking, don’t get me wrong. But we need to match it with some actions.”

Asked about the role of the political spouse, she said: “I do with Nick what I did with my father: if I am close to somebody that I love and I can help, of course I try to do that. In this case, Nick happens to stand for values I agree with.”

The full interview is in Red magazine on sale today.