Nick Clegg could in fact finish the Liberal Democrats (‘LibDems’) for good this time. Reports of the death of the LibDems have been greatly exaggerated, but this time it could be for real.

Many now appreciate that Ed Miliband has a very good chance now of becoming the next Prime Minister, if Nick Clegg fails to oppose the NHS and Social Care Bill. This will have been an incredible achievement when one term oppositions are far from the norm. Most experts, including the BMA and the Medical Royal Colleges, agree that the Bill is not fit-for-purpose. The views of Tim Montgomerie, Clare Gerada and Andy Burnham MP have now gained considerable traction, and most expert commentators felt that Ed Miliband’s performance last Wednesday in Prime Ministers Questions was his best yet.

It is increasingly likely that the Conservatives will still retain their core support at the next election, but Nick Clegg will be certain to lead his Party to oblivion if he does not oppose the Bill. Recent reports in the FT of his reaction to the dissent over the Bill indicate that he is putting himself over the interests of his Party, nor indeed the wider views of the public.

The failing of Nick Clegg, along with his embrace of policies which have directly led to a slump in consumer confidence and demand and a catastrophic rate of growth, will have only marginally contributed. It is a pity that the legacy of brilliant liberals such as John Maynard Keynes and William Beveridge will have been disregarded in such an arrogant and dangerous manner.