Facebook snags former deputy PM Nick Clegg as top spin doctor in shock move
The former Lib Dem leader is set to move to California to take up the lucrative role
NICK Clegg has been appointed as Facebook's top spin doctor in a shock move, it emerged today.
The former deputy PM will move to California to lead the social media giant's communications team.
It will be the first time the ex-MP will hold a job in the private sector for 24 years.
Sir Nick, 51, lost his Commons seat to Labour last June, two years after quitting as leader of the Lib Dems.
He said today: "I am delighted to be joining Facebook. After almost twenty years in European and British politics, this is an exciting new adventure for me.
"Having spoken at length to [company bosses] Mark and Sheryl over the last few months, I have been struck by their recognition that the company is on a journey which brings new responsibilities not only to the users of Facebook’s apps but to society at large.
"I hope I will be able to play a role in helping to navigate that journey."
He landed the lucrative Facebook post as the controversial web firm scrambles to rescue its public image.
The company has been accused of allowing dodgy governments to rig elections in the West, as well as enabling the spread of fake news.
Boss Mark Zuckerberg was forced to admit he hadn't thought enough about the political impact his website could have.
Sir Nick will be in charge of global affairs and communications after Facebook's previous spin doctor quit this summer.
He was locked in talks with Mr Zuckerberg about the role for months, .
Company no2 Sheryl Sandberg called Sir Nick a "thoughtful and gifted leader" as she welcomed him to the firm.
As well as boosting the firm's links with the UK, hiring Remainer Mr Clegg could help Facebook's relations with Brussels.
David Cameron's former deputy has spent the past two years campaigning for a second referendum on Brexit.
He will start work in London soon before moving to Facebook's headquarters in Silicon Valley.
A Lib Dem source told The Sun: "It's ironic that Nick is leaving the country just before we're supposed to quit the EU. Is this a sign he thinks a second referendum isn't going to happen?"
Sir Nick is married to high-flying lawyer Miriam González Durántez, and the couple have three children.
He said: "Miriam and I have been so grateful for the warm welcome extended to us by everyone we have met at Menlo Park.
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"Moving to California is a new beginning for us – and for our three sons – which we are looking forward to with great excitement and anticipation."
Labour hit out at his appointment - shadow minister Jon Trickett said: "It is a damning indictment of the sorry state of our country's politics that, at a time when digital giants such as Facebook are rightly coming under public scrutiny, our former Deputy Prime Minister has been hired to lobby on their behalf."
Jeremy Corbyn's deputy Tom Watson quipped: "They were both cool in 2010."
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