Lib Dems in coalition talks with Tories
May 10, 2010
As the country watches the hung parliament work its way out of the current conundrum, Nick Clegg puts pressure on David Cameron by meeting with Gordon Brown in the Foreign Office.
Talks will resume today as both parties try to hash out a deal that will see the Conservative leader end up in Downing Street. Yesterday, strategy meetings between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives lasted nearly six hours.
Danny Alexander, who is spearheading the negotiations for the Liberal Democrats, met with his Tory counterpart William Hague to announce to markets that any agreements would feature cutting the deficit as a major priority in the combined government. No details, however, were given as to how that would be implemented.
A source for the Tories suggested that an agreement, which would fall slightly short of a full coalition, could possibly be reached at the end of today. Liberal Democrat sources have said that statement is ‘optimistic’. However, both parties seem to be in agreement that getting it right is more important than reaching an accord quickly.
The Lib Dem’s key election issue, voting reform, has party members wary of a coalition between the Tories and the Lib Dems. Senior Tories have urged Mr Cameron to avoid the topic or risk losing party support among the Tories. Mr Cameron is expected to address his MPs today to lay to rest any qualms over what he may give away in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Gordon Brown arrived back from Scotland and will remain in No 10 until parties have reached an agreement. Lord Turnbull, former Cabinet Secretary, argued that Mr Brown was entirely within his rights and expected to remain in his position until a decision is reached.
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