Nick Clegg: Liberal Democrat leader faces election fight after five years of coalition

Nick Clegg Credit: PA

For better or worse, Nick Clegg signed the Liberal Democrats up for a five-year coalition with the Conservatives after a hung parliament result in 2010.

Now, he is facing a fight not only to save the Liberal Democrats' fortunes but also his own seat in May's general election - so here's what you need to know:

  • Age: 48

  • Job: Deputy Prime Minister, leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Sheffield Hallam

  • Family: Married to Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, with three children, Antonio, Alberto and Miguel

  • Background: Born in 1967 in Buckinghamshire, son of a half-Russian father and Dutch mother

  • Education: Studied Social Anthropology at Cambridge University

Party campaign video

Memorable moments

  • Hailed for his strong performance in the first ever televised leaders' debate in 2010, sparking so-called 'Cleggmania' and widespread speculation of major gains for the Lib Dems

  • Agrees to form a coalition government with the Conservative party, becoming Deputy Prime Minister

  • Launches a Q&A show on LBC radio

  • Apologises for breaking party's pledge to oppose rise in student tuition fees following fierce criticism in a video which was soon turned into a spoof called 'The Apology Song' using autotune

  • Lord Oakeshott quits Lib Dems after commissioning a poll suggesting the party would do better without Nick Clegg as leader - commentators called it a failed coup

In pictures:

Nick Clegg making his first speech as party leader in 2008. Credit: PA Wire
Nick Clegg pictured with David Cameron after agreeing to enter a coalition with the Tories. Credit: PA Wire
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg seen during his tuition fees apology. Credit: Liberal Democrats
Nick Clegg with wife Miriam Gonzales Durantez in 2013. Credit: PA Wire
Nick Clegg has said 'a lot of mud will be thrown' during the election campaign. Credit: Reuters