Nick Clegg, is getting his own weekly radio slot in which members of the public will be given a direct line to the deputy prime minister.

Clegg will be joining LBC 97.3 on Nick Ferrari's breakfast show. During a half hour slot on Thursdays, the public will be able to call, email, text or tweet their questions.

Clegg said: "I'm doing this because I don't think politicians get to hear enough from people directly. You can’t do the right thing in Government unless you keep in touch with how people are thinking and feeling.

"Nick Ferrari is known as the interviewer that all politicians fear. He can be very tough but he's generally fair, very well informed and I hope we’ll make a good combination for the show we're doing together."

It is the first time a serving cabinet minister has agreed to a weekly, on-air grilling.