Clegg vs Clegg

As the Lib Dem conference approaches, we can expect some briefing from their spin doctors claiming to have “wrecked” all manner of Tory policies. It’s a petty and ugly phase of the coalition. Last year: nuptial bliss. This year: one partner throwing china at the other. The next phase is divorce, which is why I’m surprised to see the Lib Dems accelerating the process by today’s divisive briefings. Especially on something as self-defeating as school reform.

We are told that “Nick Clegg defeats bid by Michael Gove to let free schools make profits”. This is nonsense. As I write in this week’s Spectator, Gove is not pushing for profit-seeking schools, to the disappointment of some inside Number 10. Gove wants to pick his battles, and thinks overcoming regulatory barriers such as planning and ECHR complaints (you’d be amazed) are the priorities. I also wrote that Clegg has been given a veto over profit-seeking schools, and has made clear that he’ll use it.