Clegg to be grilled on AV campaign
By Ned Simons - 5th May 2011
Nick Clegg will appear before the Commons constitutional reform committee next week to discuss the "aftermath" of the result of the AV referendum.
He will appear alongside his Tory minister for political and constitutional reform, Mark Harper, who if the polls are to be believed is likely to be slightly happier with the result than the deputy prime minister.
A press release from the committee says the session is "likely to focus in particular on the government’s immediate priorities, including the aftermath of the result of the referendum on the alternative vote and reform of the House of Lords, as well as the workings of coalition government".
If, as expected, the switch to AV is defeated, it could be a very awkward hour for the Lib Dem leader.
Recriminations over the conduct of the referendum have already begun even though the public are still voting.
University College London's Constitution Unit has attacked the conduct of the campaign for leaving the public "ignorant and confused" over the choice they faced.
And they warn Clegg that a consolation prize of House of Lords reform is "not in Cameron's gift to give" as there is widespread opposition to change across both Houses.
The meeting of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee will take place on Thursday May 12 at 10.00am.
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