Nick Clegg's wife launches political party in Spain as former deputy PM faces £30m payout
Miriam González Durántez, wife of former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, is launching a new political party in Spain, while Clegg is reportedly set to receive another £30 million from his role at Meta, adding to an estimated £100 million fortune.
Miriam González Durántez, the wife of former UK deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, is launching a new political party in Spain, according to reports. The move comes as Clegg, who led the Liberal Democrats from 2007 to 2015, is reportedly set to receive another £30 million from his role at Meta, the parent company of Facebook, adding to an estimated fortune of £100 million.
González Durántez, a Spanish lawyer and businesswoman, is said to be behind the new political venture in her home country. Details of the party's platform and name have not been confirmed, but its launch marks a significant step into electoral politics for a figure who has largely maintained a low public profile in the UK since her husband's departure from frontline British politics.
Clegg, who served as deputy prime minister in the coalition government with the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015, has faced repeated criticism for his post-political career. Once known for his attacks on tax avoidance and corporate greed, he joined Facebook in 2018 as head of global affairs and communications, later becoming president of global affairs at Meta. His tenure has been lucrative, with his total earnings from the tech giant reportedly approaching £100 million.
The timing of the reports is awkward for Clegg, whose political reputation was already damaged by his party's U-turn on university tuition fees during the coalition years. Critics have long accused him of hypocrisy for moving from public service to a highly paid role at a company frequently criticised over privacy, misinformation and market dominance. The latest £30 million figure is likely to intensify that scrutiny.
González Durántez's new party in Spain adds a fresh dimension to the story. While her political positions are not yet clear, her legal and business background, combined with her husband's international profile, will draw attention. Spain's political landscape has seen significant fragmentation in recent years, with new parties emerging on both the left and right, and a new centrist or liberal force could find space in a crowded field.
The couple have lived largely in the United States in recent years, where Clegg has been based for his Meta role. His wife's decision to launch a party in Spain suggests a possible return to European political life, albeit in a different national context. It also raises questions about the couple's future plans and whether Clegg himself might play any role in the venture.
For British voters, the story is a reminder of the coalition era and the subsequent careers of its key figures. Clegg's transformation from anti-establishment insurgent to Silicon Valley executive has become a symbol of the revolving door between politics and big tech. His wife's new political party may be a separate project, but it will inevitably be viewed through the same lens.
The reports have not been confirmed by Clegg or González Durántez, and no official announcement has been made. Meta has not commented on Clegg's remuneration. The story is likely to develop as more details emerge about the Spanish party and its backers.
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