Lib Dems like a wonky trolley, says axed minister Jeremy Browne

In his first interview since being sacked, Jeremy Browne makes clear his dismay at Lib Dem efforts to distance themselves their coalition allies
Jeremy Browne has rebuffed overtures from senior Tories
Jeremy Browne has rebuffed overtures from senior Tories
CLIVE GEE/PA

Nick Clegg is in danger of being dragged from the centre by a Liberal Democrat “shopping trolley that defaults to the left”, an influential former minister warns today.

In his first interview since being sacked in last week’s reshuffle, Jeremy Browne reveals that he has rebuffed overtures from senior Tories he suspects were seeking his defection.

However, he makes clear his dismay at Lib Dem efforts to distance themselves from their coalition allies after Mr Clegg’s party conference speech, which boasted about the 15 policies blocked by the junior party.

Mr Clegg told delegates in Glasgow last month that he “hadn’t said enough” about what “Britain would look like today if the Tories had been alone in Whitehall for the last three years”.

By contrast