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Can Labour approach the Lib-dems and try to pry them away from the Conservatives? I don't understand how this would work. For example, would it trigger an re-work of the entire set of political appointees if suddenly there were a Labour-Lib coalition?
by asdf on Mon Sep 27th, 2010 at 10:11:09 AM EST
the biggest problem with that is that they still wouldn't constitute a majority of MPs in Parliament. Plus, once the leader of the majority party/coalition has accepted the Queen's invitation to form a government, the only way that grouping can be changed is following a general election.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Mon Sep 27th, 2010 at 10:22:31 AM EST
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I don't think it'd make any sense politically anyway.  Why would anybody want to play ball with the Lib-Dems when they've anchored themselves so nicely to the Tories?  They've already been cut in half in the polls since the election, and I suspect Labour -- which isn't that far back of the Tories as it is -- will be in a stronger position once the cuts start to hit people.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Mon Sep 27th, 2010 at 10:36:26 AM EST
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Since the coalition was formed, Labour has been displaying more than routine hostility to the Lib Dems. Somebody from Labour has said that any future Lab/Lib Dem coalition would require a new Lib Dem leader. I doubt that this approach would encourage the Lib Dems to break up a coalition with a secure majority in an attempt to form a potential minority government.

In any event the legislation for fixed term Parliaments has not yet been passed, so if the coalition broke up now Cameron could ask for (and by constitutional convention would be granted) a dissolution of Parliament. I would not fancy Lib Dem chances in an election caused in such circumstances.

For better or for worse the Lib Dems have committed themselves to the existing coalition for a five year term. Something extraordinary would have to happen for it to be politically realistic for them to change the position.  

by Gary J on Mon Sep 27th, 2010 at 11:50:23 AM EST
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