Nick Clegg says he no longer wants people to get internships in Westminster just because their parents “whisper in the ear” of the right person at their golf or tennis club.
The deputy prime minister, a former intern himself, also says that in future – although not until next year at the earliest – “proper remuneration” will be paid to anyone who secures a work placement with his party.
This will come as music to the ears of Jonny Medland who worked – for free – for Mr Clegg for three months in 2007 when he was Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman.
Jonny told the BBC News website: “They should definitely be paying people – every party should.
“If you’re working for eight hours a day for weeks on end I struggle to see how you can defend not paying people.” The wheels of the Westmins…