Vince Cable: 'I'm not having fun in government' (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Vince Cable: 'I'm not having fun in government'

August 8, 2010 12:40 PM

Times front page, August 9

• [Aug 08] Patrick Hennessy* writes: 'IN open-neck pink shirt and slippers Vince Cable, in many ways the unlikeliest member of the coalition cabinet, is sitting in his living room talking candidly about his experiences in government three months on from its formation. "People sometimes ask me 'are you having fun?' " he says. " No! It's hard work and it's tough, but it's important."

. . Furthermore, at a time when some of those close to Mr Cameron are at least thinking about fielding "coalition candidates" at the next election, or at least not opposing each other in certain seats or areas, Mr Cable firmly expects to be fighting Twickenham at the next election as a Lib Dem against a Conservative, in a part of London where the two parties are fierce rivals.

There would "certainly" not be a merger between the parties, he declares. "It's interesting that in India, where the Indian politicians were fascinated about what's been going on, they were explaining to us how you organise electoral pacts, but I saw it as an academic rather than a political debate." Proof that coalitions can't quash the old free radical spirit.'

Political Editor, Sunday Telegraph

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: