Clegg: I can’t force Vince Cable to defend me on the economy

With Cable planning to stay away from the key Lib Dem conference vote on the economy, Clegg says: "I don't run a bootcamp, I don't tell people when they have to turn up for a meeting."

By George Eaton

Vince Cable’s decision not to take part in today’s crunch debate on the economy at the Lib Dem conference is a decided snub to Nick Clegg and the Deputy Prime Minister couldn’t help sounding rather helpless on the Today programme this morning. He said:

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George Eaton

@georgeeaton

George Eaton is the New Statesman's senior editor (politics). He writes the Morning Call political briefing three times a week and contributes columns, features, interviews and leaders.