THE TELEGRAPH: The prospect of the Liberal Democrat coalition with Labour moved a step closer as Lord Ashdown set out the case for a pact between Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg.
Describing the Conservatives as "rabidly anti-European", the former Lib Dem leader and close friend and mentor of Mr Clegg defended the legitimacy and stability of a deal with Labour.
He stressed that such a government would have the backing of 51 per cent of voters, dismissing accusations that it would be a "coalition of the defeated".
His comments come as Nick Clegg was attacked from both sides of the political spectrum for making overtures to Gordon Brown even as he continued talks with David Cameron. >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Tuesday, May 11, 2010
MAIL ONLINE: Nick Clegg was at the mercy of his party last night after his MPs and officials refused to back a deal with the Tories.
Following four days of tortuous negotiations with the Conservatives, the Lib Dem leader was ready to strike a power-sharing agreement.
But this was scuppered by his parliamentary party and ruling federal executive, who are holding out for proper voting reform. Under the party's internal rules three-quarters of MPs and officials have to rubber-stamp deals made with other parties.
A three and a half hour meeting in the House of Commons with Lib Dem MPs yesterday ended with Mr Clegg being told to open talks with Gordon Brown and Labour. How Nick Clegg was tripped up by his own side as Lib Dem MPs refused to back deal with Tories >>> Daily Mail Reporter | Tuesday, May 11, 2010
