SIR Nick Clegg is moving to America to take up a senior role with Facebook.

The former Deputy Prime Minister will run the social media giant's global affairs and communications operation. It is understood he will take up his new job on Monday.

The 51-year-old, who lost his Sheffield Hallam seat at last year's General Election, led the Liberal Democrats from 2007 to 2015, including five years in the Coalition Government with the Conservatives.

It is believed the father-of-three will move his family to Silicon Valley in California in the New Year.

Sir Nick will succeed Elliot Schrage, who announced in June he was leaving Facebook after 10 years at the US company.

The former DPM's move will surprise Westminster and comes as Facebook faces mounting political pressure over issues such as fake news, data protection and the threat of government regulation.

It is suggested the former politician agreed to take on the role after months of wooing by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s Chief Executive, who supposedly told him that he would have a leading role in shaping the company’s strategy.