Call Clegg: Deputy prime minister will host regular radio spot on LBC 97.3 to “keep in touch” with public
From Thursday this week, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg will hold a live weekly radio phone-in on London-based LBC 97.3 with breakfast host Nick Ferrari.
During the half-hour programme, which commences at 9am, listeners will be able to call, email or tweet questions to Clegg. He said he aims to "keep in touch with how people are thinking and feeling" about "the big decisions being made in Downing Street".
The show, branded Call Clegg, marks the first time that a senior member of government has agreed to be challenged by listeners every week.
Clegg said of the move: "I'm doing this because I don't think politicians get to hear enough from people directly. You can't do the right thing in government unless you keep in touch with how people are thinking and feeling."
He added: "Nick Ferrari is known as the interviewer that all politicians fear. He can be very tough but he's generally fair, very well informed and I hope we'll make a good combination for the show we're doing together."
Richard Park, the director of broadcasting at LBC-owner Global Radio, said that Call Clegg will be "London's biggest conversation".
He continued: "No other station offers its listeners such unique access to a senior member of government. This will be must-listen radio."