he was the main economics spokesperson for the liberal democrats from 2003 to 2010 and became the liberal democrats' deputy leader in 2006. in may 2010, a coalition government was formed between the conservative party and the liberal democrats and vince cable was made the secretary of state for business, innovation and skills. he has promised a 'very radical overhaul' of the state pensions system. he resigned from his position as deputy leader in may 2010.