Former Sheffield MP Nick Clegg rules out House of Lords move

Defeated Nick Clegg at the count on Friday morning. Picture: Dean Atkins

The former deputy prime minister was ousted by Labour's Jared O'Mara from the Sheffield Hallam seat he had represented since 2005.

Mr Clegg, a former leader of the Liberal Democrats, said 'ermine just isn't my thing' referring to the flambouyant robes as he dismissed the prospect of joining the unelected House.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "Of course I wish I was still MP for Sheffield Hallam - a wonderful place full of wonderful people - but that was not to be."

Mr Clegg, a passionate pro-EU campaigner, indicated he would remain active in politics - particularly on Brexit,

"There are big debates in UK politics where I will want to make my voice heard," he said.

But he laughed off a petition calling for him to be appointed to the Upper Chamber - a House he unsuccessfully tried to reform while in government.

He said: "I'm afraid an unelected chamber is not for me. Ermine just isn't my thing..."