Hundreds of trade unionists and activists gathered outside the Town Hall yesterday, just as preparations were being made to host a council question and answer session with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Speaking after the demonstration, Paul Blomfield said, "[The protest] has been organised at very short notice and overall we've had about three or four hundred people here. It's very positive."

Although Mr Clegg did not arrive at the Town Hall until after the crowds had dispersed, Mr Blomfield remained hopeful he will respond to his invitation to face a public grilling, "So far he's dodged every opportunity to meet the people of Sheffield in an open context, where people can fire questions at him without being stage managed. I hope he'll do it."

On the subject of Mr Clegg's pledge to return any net gain on the sale of his house to the taxpayer, Mr Blomfield said "Well, that's the test for him. And he may as well sell it, because he's got no roots in Sheffield. He doesn't come here very often."