Clegg: School choice not political

Nick Clegg has refused to rule out sending his children to a private school, saying the decision will not be based on politics.

The Deputy Prime Minister indicated that he would prefer his elder son Antonio to go to a state secondary this autumn, but said there was "huge competition" for places in London.

The comments, during his regular phone-in slot on LBC Radio, came after David Cameron confirmed that his daughter Nancy would be going through the state system.

Mr Clegg and his wife Miriam have three sons - Antonio, Alberto, and Miguel.

Last year the family reportedly looked round a £30,000-a-year public school.

The Liberal Democrat leader insisted this morning that they would never choose a school for "political reasons".

"If we can and it works out to send him (Antonio) to a good state, we would do so," he said. "But like all parents living in London, there's huge competition for places and we don't yet know where and exactly at what school.

"I never have sought to impose a decision on my wife as well as my son for political reasons. They are educated at the moment in the state sector, both our oldest, and I will let you know as soon as a decision has been arrived at."

Mr Clegg said he would not allow his children to become a "political football".

"I am a father before I am a politician," he said. I want my child to have the best possible education... It is the most fundamental instinct anyone has and I have that raging through my veins as much as any father. I am not going to make a political issue for my child's education. I just want the best for my child."