All the momentum now towards a Con Lib Dem coalition
Why?
First, so many Labour MPs are against a Lib-Lab coalition, from across the party, and ministers too, among them Andy Burnham, Diana Johnson, and, it is said, Jack Straw.
And remember the depleted Parliamentary Labour Party is full of MPs from areas like Scotland and northern England where Labour is in fierce competition with the Lib Dems, and where they hate PR or even AV.
The other big factor is the Lib Dems fear of another election. They cannot afford one and fear it would mean losing yet more seats.
That is why the Lib Dems suddenly switched yesterday to wanting a fixed-term coalition arrangement. Only the Tories can offer that with any certainty. A Lib-Lab coalition could easily fall at any moment, especially after a few by-election defeats.
The clincher for me though was a Lib Dem MP who is pretty sympathetic to Labour telling me this morning that a deal with the Conservatives was the only viable option.
"I can't believe how much they've offered us," he said. "The Tories have basically rubbed out their manifesto and inserted ours. We'll have to cope for four or five years with our flesh creeping, but still."
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 11th May 2010, kathystephen wrote:"We'll have to cope for four or five years with our flesh creeping, but still."
Amusing comment that, that's one laugh at least today.
I predict this will be the end of (us) the Lib Dems. Clegg might get a seat in the cabinet of darkness, but I cannot possibly go out and canvass for them in the constituency after this. I guess they have factored in local militants leaving in droves.
Confidence and Supply I could have coped with fine by the way.
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Comment number 2.
At 11th May 2010, barriesingleton wrote:IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM - JOIN 'EM. (#1)
As I said at the outset: it remained to be seen how soon Young Nick would metamorphose into the older version.
Honour clearly demands that Clegg should join no one. When asked if he would be the king-maker he always said WE are the king-makers.
I wonder if he can hear the cries from outside?
No confidence - Nick did not 'supply' (deliver).
I hope the tar and feather purveyors are more reliable.
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Comment number 3.
At 11th May 2010, lordstobbo wrote:Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
I think this is the most intelligent move by Clegg and the LibDems, provided they haven't allowed themselves to be played. I hope it doesn't discredit them for too long with the centre-left. It may yet prove to be the most effective way of spiking the Tory agenda, and is probably a blessing for Labour too.
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Comment number 4.
At 11th May 2010, Alex wrote:so Alistair Cambell let GB use his red tie....does that suggest GB had already shipped out all his wardrobe previously before deciding to resign....Mr Crick....we want answers :)
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