Spot the difference

Written by Graham Watson MEP and published in Parliamentary Monitor Issue 155 (December 2007) on Tue 4th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne have each served longer in Brussels and Strasbourg, in our mother-in-law of parliaments, than at Westminster. From 1999 to 2004 (in Chris' case 2005) they were colleagues of mine: indeed, they served under me first as Leader of the ten UK Liberal Democrat MEPs and then (from 2002) as Leader of the European Parliament's Liberal Group. I think I can fairly say I had the privilege to get to know both of them well; over more years, certainly, than my counterparts in the Commons.

It is of no surprise to me that my Commons colleagues chose to back one or other of them as next Leader of our party in the UK, though both are relative newcomers. Even without Nick and Chris, the UK Liberal Democrats benches boast an impressive array of talent. With their addition we are more than a match for any party. For the two newcomers distinguish themselves as being each more than usually able and highly articulate.

Perhaps, as Westminster School boys, the arrival of each in the House was almost pre-destined. But the ambition was evident earlier in the case of Chris Huhne, who I remember as a PPC and Guardian journalist in the early eighties when I served in the House as David Steel's principal bag carrier. Nick's aim at a political career came a little later in life than that of his colleague: I recall him being recommended to me for a policy advisory group I convened in 1995-6 and approaching me soon afterwards for advice on how to become an MEP himself. He had previously worked briefly as a lobbyist, then on the FT, and as a member of Leon Brittan's cabinet. I suspect it was not until a conversation with Paddy some three years later that he thought seriously about a Westminster career.

As energetic MEPs and talented linguists, each made his mark early in Brussels. Nick took the trade and industry brief he had known under Leon and pilotted telecoms liberalisation legislation through the House, a perk of our system which only a Minister can enjoy in Westminster. He joined a group of other youngsters in founding the Campaign for Parliamentary Reform, bringing a breath of fresh air and changing many outdated and opaque features of parliamentary life. Casting his net well beyond his formal brief, he co-authored a major comparative study on national education systems and a pamphlet on reform of world trade rules.

Chris put his experience of economic and monetary affairs to good use on the committee of that name and developed a profile on regulation of the financial sector. I do not recall him taking legislation through the House, but he too was active in policy development, ably chairing working parties and writing substantial pamphlets, both on developing country debt and on the euro. Both Nick and Chris took an active interest in the affairs of the Party in the UK, each contributing an essay to the infamous Orange book which David Laws pioneered.

Some have argued that the difference between Nick and Chris is like that between Mastercard and Visa. Both achieve what is needed: only the name is different. But this is to overlook the very different nature of the two. Nick is a loyalist, a team player, with an inclusive style; which is why, I imagine, more of my colleagues at Westminster and so many of us in Brussels have chosen to back the younger man. Chris is more the loner with a deep personal ambition: immensely able, but with an ego to match. Steel versus Owen? The comparison is inadequate, but I recall that the former saw off the latter.

Whoever is elected - and we will know on 17 December - I have no doubt both will continue to make an important contribution to our party, our country and our European Union. These relative neophytes at Westminster have made an impact on a broader canvas which will be of huge benefit to them in their respective careers.