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, I gather (a gentle one - this is the Lib Dems after all), between Nick Clegg and Newcastle's City Council Leader John Shipley.

as part of plans to cut public spending.

That, of course, includes . Councillor Shipley just happens to sit on their board.

I understand there was some awkwardness then when the issue came up as they shared a platform this weekend.

John Shipley defended One North East and its record.

But Nick Clegg is concerned not just about the cost of the agencies, but also the lack of public accountability.

The future of RDAs does look increasingly deathly as the Conservatives see little future for them either.

Yet, as demonstrated by John Shipley, One North East does have a fair bit of cross-party support in the region, and its record is respectable.

The same also seems to be true of the in Cumbria too.

The problem is their southern equivalents are viewed with contempt by many of their local politicians.

Expect the region's Labour MPs to attack the Lib Dems for their hostility to One North East, but I'm not sure the public will be too exercised by the debate.

I'll be interested to see what Northern Lib Dems make of it all at their reception this evening.

I'm popping along so will let you know. It'll delay the devouring of the hotel biscuits for an hour or two anyway.

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Incidentally I was sad to miss the big celebrity Lib Dem draw this weekend -
Apparently she's a big supporter.

As for any other Play School-related political endorsements, Hambel, Humpty and Jemima are refusing to be drawn, while Big Ted is leaning towards the English Democrats.

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