Clegg Says 'Brown Is Desperate Man'

Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg has said that he might find it difficult to strike up a deal with Gordon Brown in the event of a hung parliament.

Clegg called Mr Brown a "desperate man" in his most outspoken attack yet and said the Liberal Democrats would not help him stay on as a "squatter in Downing Street".

In his first newspaper interview since his party’s shock rise in the opinion polls, Mr Clegg told The Daily Telegraph that Labour had failed to deliver in its 13 years in charge and could not be trusted now.

He said: "Brown systematically blocked, and personally blocked, political reform. I think he is a desperate politician and I just do not believe him." He added: "And do I think Labour delivered fairness? No. Do I think the Labour Party in its heart has a faith in civil liberties? No. Do I think they’ve delivered political reform? No. They are clutching at straws."

The highly personal attack on Mr Brown's integrity will lead to further speculation that the price for any deal with Labour would be that it ditches Mr Brown as leader.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband is considered a likely alternative who would be acceptable to the Lib Dems, with Alan Johnson also said to be an option.

Mr Clegg's hardline stance will strengthen the hand of disillusioned Labour ministers, who are now openly discussing the prospect of forcing Mr Brown to stand down so the party could continue in a coalition government under Mr Miliband or Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

Meanwhile Mr Brown's interview with the Independent sees him calling for a "progressive alliance", appealing to Lib Dem supporters to think about backing his party.

"If you want a referendum on new politics, you've got to consider voting Labour," he said.

"We are the only party committed to a referendum on it. You won't get one with the Tories."

He said the Conservatives offered merely "a change of personnel and a return to the old politics", while Labour was "serious" about revamping the UK's electoral system.

But Mr Clegg said politicians should be "open" and talk to each other in the likely event of a hung parliament.

The Lib Dem leader said he would make it clear what he would want from any deal.

He said: "I would be open about the fact that, clearly, politicians should be able to speak to each other.

"David Cameron doesn't seem to accept this, but if the British people have voted then of course you have to try and provide good stable government."

So far, Mr Cameron and his advisers have been unwilling to countenance anything other than a clear Tory win.

(LB/BMcC)