Was there a Clegg coup? Review of The Clegg Coup* – Britain’s First Coalition Government Since Lloyd George by Jasper Gerard (London Liberal Democrats)

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Was there a Clegg coup? Review of The Clegg Coup* – Britain’s First Coalition Government Since Lloyd George by Jasper Gerard

November 23, 2011 11:32 AM
Originally published by Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats

clegg • [Nov 23] Mark Pack writes: JASPER Gerard - a former staff member for Paddy Ashdown and intermittent speech writer for Liberal Democrat leaders - shows far more knowledge of the party's internal workings than nearly all other writers. Any book that features both Paul Marshall and Duncan Brack in its index, with as many entries for Chris Rennard as for Ming Campbell, shows an understanding of the realities of the internal workings of the party away from the public headline figures in Parliament.

. . the book is a great read for its stylish commentary which shows both inside knowledge and understanding of the Liberal Democrats. Here is where you will (finally) find in print some accounts of the internal disputes amongst the authors of the Orange Book, an explanation of Danny Alexander's role and influence and an account of the influence of CentreForum (where perhaps Gerard's thesis is closest to being right for its influence is much greater than you might gather from the disparaging comments some activists make about it).

Clegg, both in his political skill and his commitment to liberalism, comes out of the book well as do many of his colleagues - David Laws included . . So whether you are persuading by Jasper Gerard's argument or not, do give the book a read.

* published by Gibson Square Books Ltd; ISBN-10: 1908096098.

• Was there a Clegg coup? Review of The Clegg Coup [Pack LDV Nov 23]