Will Dave get his Cleggover?
Ok, so my (and others’) long term prediction that Cameron would get a small majority didn’t come true. But the British people were decisive in a sense, nevertheless - they don’t prefer any of the main three parties.
As I said when I reviewed the papers on BBC late last night, the outlines of a deal between the Tories and Lib Dems is coming together. But it seems clear as day, right from when Cameron gave his speech on Friday, there is no way that Clegg will get a referendum on electoral reform. Nor does he seem to expect it.
Cameron is prepared to offer policy sweeteners to the Lib Dems, probably on tax breaks for the lower paid, schools reform and some green issues. If I was a Lib Dem, I would feel this was more than disappointing. And cabinet seats for Clegg - home secretary even? That could actually be a genius move for Cameron, as poor Nick would have to deal with all the difficult stuff like immigration. Everyone knows that job is a poison chalice.
And of course Gordon is finished; but let’s face it, until the others get their act together, it would irresponsible for him to leave the country without someone being in charge.
But even if Alan Johnson, Jack Straw or one of the Milibands steps into the breach, wouldn’t a Lib-Lab pact now look like an awful stitched together affair - and one which the electorate might well punish by firmly rejecting electoral reform once and for all.
Whatever happens over the next few days, it looks highly likely we’ll be going to the polls again this year!
DC
