Gordon Brown has made an audacious bid to keep Labour in power by forming a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, a move not seen in Britain since World War II. The prime minister was told by cabinet colleagues and senior Liberal Democrats that policy differences were minimal, but that his own leadership was a barrier due to being seen as uncollegiate and electorally toxic.
The proposed Labour-Lib Dem coalition would represent 52% of the popular vote, compared to 36% for a minority Conservative government. Supporters argue this is more democratic, noting that similar coalitions operate successfully in Scotland and Wales. However, critics question the legitimacy of Brown staying in office after Labour lost the election, and whether a new prime minister should be chosen by Labour party members rather than voters.
The coalition would have a parliamentary majority equivalent to those of Harold Wilson or John Major's governments, which were not notably stable. Additionally, Labour may need support from the SDLP, SNP, and Plaid Cymru. Opponents warn that some Labour MPs might vote against the Queen's Speech, potentially triggering another election that could damage both parties.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg faces a crucial decision: stick with Conservative talks, which failed over policy chasms on immigration, taxation, Europe, and parliamentary reform, or switch to Labour, risking accusations of creating a 'coalition of losers'. The outcome could reshape the UK constitution and electoral system, with the Lib Dems warned against accepting a Tory referendum on voting reform without safeguards.
