TIMES ONLINE: David Cameron will begin today to forge the first peacetime coalition for more than 80 years after becoming Britain’s 53rd Prime Minister.
The Conservative leader opened a new political era by cautioning that “hard and difficult work” lay ahead for the new Government that will include five Liberal Democrats in Cabinet and some 15 others in ministerial jobs. Nick Clegg was last night confirmed by the Queen as Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr Cameron struck a businesslike tone devoid of triumphalism as he arrived in Downing Street to end five days of post-election uncertainty and become the first Tory for 31 years to depose a Labour prime minister.
He and Mr Clegg would “put political differences aside” as they moved to tackle the deficit, ease deep social problems, rebuild public trust in politics and bring about a more responsible society. The maxim of his Government would be: “Those who can, should, those who cannot, we will always help.” He promised that the elderly, frail and poorest would not be forgotten.
The scale of the political revolution underway — and the extent of the two leaders’ collaboration — was underlined with the unprecedented announcement that the next election will take place on the first Thursday in May 2015. Even before taking office, Mr Cameron gave up the Prime Minister’s freedom to go the country when he chooses, with both sides instead committing to a full five-year term.
Last night Clegg won the backing of his party for the deal. >>> Roland Watson, Political Editor | Wednesday, May 12, 2010
