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Nick Clegg barely hid his contempt for Piers Morgan as he branded him “pompous” during a fiery clash between the pair on Good Morning Britain.

In the awkward interview on ITV’s breakfast show, the former Liberal Democrat leader was questioned by the controversial columnist on his record in the coalition on student tuition fees.

The Lib Dems faced criticism after backtracking on a pledge to oppose any increase in students’ fees, only for the coalition to lift the cap on fees from £3,000 to £9,000.

Morgan accused Mr Clegg of a “cynical move” in raising tuition fees, only for the politician to brand him an “extraordinary man”.

In the heated exchange, Morgan said: “These are bold words from you. A lot of students in the country would look at you think that was a pretty cynical move to promise the end of tuition fees and then treble them.

“But I will take you at your word that you are the shining bastion of non-cynicism in an otherwise cesspit of cynicism in Westminster and thank God you’re here.”

Mr Clegg, shaking his head in exasperation, retorted to call Morgan an “extraordinary man” and said “you are so pompous Piers, you really are”.

Morgan angrily replied: "What's pompous about that? It wasn't me who trebled tuition fees."

Mr Clegg was appearing on the programme as part of the Lib Dems’ campaign trail for the upcoming general election in June.

The Liberal Democrats issued a staunch apology for the backtrack on tuition fees as part of their campaign to be re-elected in 2015, but were only able to win eight seats in the Commons.

It is not the first time Morgan has been criticised by guests for his interviewing technique, with campaigner Owen Jones calling his style a “monologue” in an a awkward clash earlier this year.