DEPUTY prime minister Nick Clegg was challenged over his change in stance on Boundary Commission proposals this week by Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner.
The Boundary Commission announced on Tuesday that it had changed its proposal for two Isle of Wight constituencies, by dividing the Island east to west, rather than north to south.
Mr Turner said the changes were largely academic however, as they would not get through parliament after the Liberal Democrats said they would not support the boundary review.
The party withdrew its support after the Conservatives did not back Lib Dem plans for House of Lords reform.
It prompted Mr Turner to ask: "Why does the deputy prime minister oppose the proposals by the Boundary Commission today when he was all in favour of them last September?
"Did anyone expect him to change his view by 180 degrees?"
Mr Clegg responded: "I was surprised when parties and members in this house, having fought on a manifesto commitment to reform the House of Lords, decided against simply voting in favour of a timetable motion to do so.
"These things happen, and I think that everybody in the country understands that a coalition Government is a deal. It is like a contract, and where one part of the contract is amended another part of the contract is amended as well, and we move on."
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk