Why being in coalition may not be all roses for Lib Dems
Today's PMQs illustrated the problems the Liberal Democrats may have in getting squeezed.
Before the election Nick Clegg would get two questions automatically, and then one or two other Lib Dem MPs would get to ask questions as well.
Today they got just one question, from Sir Alan Beith.
The problem is that with almost 20 of their MPs now serving as ministers in the coalition, there are now fewer than 40 Lib Dem MPs who can ask questions of the prime minister.
Unless there's some behind-the-scenes deal involving the Speaker then it's hard to see how the Liberal Democrats improve their position.
Together with broadcasting time and the disappearance of Short Money, it's another sign of how being in coalition government may not be all yellow or orange roses for the Lib Dems.
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 2nd Jun 2010, stevie wrote:I watched Nick Clegg squirm today after that question from Harriet...I wonder if that is a taste of things to come....
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Comment number 2.
At 4th Jun 2010, TomFairbrother2010 wrote:Bed of yellow roses?? - the yellow rose is claimed by the state of Texas - would the LibDems dare argue over it?
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