Cameron Begins First Coalition Cabinet Since 1945
THE TELEGRAPH: Britain's first coalition Cabinet meeting since the Second World War has begun as David Cameron prepares to unveil the rest of his joint Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministerial team.

The Prime Minister sat next to William Hague, the new Foreign Secretary and opposite George Osborne, the Chancellor and Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister.

Vince Cable, the Lib Dem Business Secretary, arrived with his Tory deputy David Willetts and Liam Fox, the new Defence Secretary, pausing briefly at the door of No 10 before going inside.

Ken Clarke, the new Justice Secretary and one of the few to have any previous ministerial experience, arrived with Mr Hague. >>> Alastair Jamieson and Ben Leach | Thursday, May 13, 2010

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Britain's coalition leaders hail new era of politics: Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy, Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg, set about putting together a government. They vow to make Britain a freer, fairer, more responsible country. >>> Henry Chu | Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Very British Revolution
Photograph: Times Online
TIMES ONLINE: David Cameron and Nick Clegg introduced Britain to a radical new political landscape yesterday as they committed their parties to a five-year marriage of consensual government.

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister ushered in an era of “new politics” as they promised a stable and durable coalition to take the country in an “historic new direction”.

The scale of their revolution became clear as the Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders staged a remarkable show of jovial but determined unity in the Downing Street rose garden. Fresh from handing five Cabinet jobs to Lib Dems, including two key economic portfolios, and planning to give Mr Clegg a minister in every department, Mr Cameron vowed to place the national interest above party interest and co-operation above confrontation.

“Compromise, give and take, reasonable, civilised, grown-up behaviour is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength,” he said.

Mr Clegg said that there would be “bumps and scrapes” along the way as two parties with different instincts joined themselves at the hip for an experiment that risks angering right-wing Tories and left-wing Liberal Democrats. He added that both leaders had taken “big risks” in going into full-blown coalition, but he insisted: “This is a government that will last.” >>> Roland Watson, Political Editor | Thursday, May 13, 2010

New Style of Politics in Britain

The Youngest PM for 200 Years – and a Milestone for the Lib Dems
THE INDEPENDENT: David Cameron has become Britain's youngest Prime Minister in almost 200 years as the head of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition which was agreed during a day of extraordinary drama in Westminster.

The new coalition is Britain's first since the Second World War. Mr Cameron's 23-strong Cabinet will include five Liberal Democrats, giving the party their first taste of real power for 70 years. Nick Clegg, their leader, becomes Deputy Prime Minister.

The Tory leader was formally appointed by the Queen just minutes after Gordon Brown met her to tender his resignation, following the collapse of Labour's talks with the Liberal Democrats aimed at keeping the Conservatives out of power.

The 43-year-old Mr Cameron is the youngest Prime Minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812. He is six months younger than Tony Blair was in 1997. After a long, five-day wait since last Thursday's election, Mr Cameron finally went to Buckingham Palace last night when Mr Brown brought down the curtain on New Labour's 13 years in power.

As the first Cabinet appointments emerged, George Osborne became Chancellor; William Hague was confirmed as Foreign Secretary, Andrew Lansley as Health Secretary and Liam Fox as Defence Secretary. For the Liberal Democrats, Mr Cable is expected to become Chief Treasury Secretary, David Laws the Schools Secretary and Danny Alexander the Schools Secretary. The Liberal Democrats are likely to have at least one minister in each Whitehall department, giving them about 20 posts. Their appointments will leave some Tory MPs who were frontbench spokesmen in opposition out in the cold.

Speaking outside No 10, Mr Cameron said that a "proper and full coalition" between the Tories and Liberal Democrats would bring "the strong, stable, good and decent government we need so badly". He admitted it would be "hard and difficult work" and that the coalition deal would "throw up all sorts of challenges". He said it would be built on the values of "fairness and responsibility". >>> Andrew Grice, Political Editor | Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Youngest PM for 200 Years – and a Milestone for the Lib Dems
THE INDEPENDENT: David Cameron has become Britain's youngest Prime Minister in almost 200 years as the head of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition which was agreed during a day of extraordinary drama in Westminster.

The new coalition is Britain's first since the Second World War. Mr Cameron's 23-strong Cabinet will include five Liberal Democrats, giving the party their first taste of real power for 70 years. Nick Clegg, their leader, becomes Deputy Prime Minister.

The Tory leader was formally appointed by the Queen just minutes after Gordon Brown met her to tender his resignation, following the collapse of Labour's talks with the Liberal Democrats aimed at keeping the Conservatives out of power.

The 43-year-old Mr Cameron is the youngest Prime Minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812. He is six months younger than Tony Blair was in 1997. After a long, five-day wait since last Thursday's election, Mr Cameron finally went to Buckingham Palace last night when Mr Brown brought down the curtain on New Labour's 13 years in power.

As the first Cabinet appointments emerged, George Osborne became Chancellor; William Hague was confirmed as Foreign Secretary, Andrew Lansley as Health Secretary and Liam Fox as Defence Secretary. For the Liberal Democrats, Mr Cable is expected to become Chief Treasury Secretary, David Laws the Schools Secretary and Danny Alexander the Schools Secretary. The Liberal Democrats are likely to have at least one minister in each Whitehall department, giving them about 20 posts. Their appointments will leave some Tory MPs who were frontbench spokesmen in opposition out in the cold.

Speaking outside No 10, Mr Cameron said that a "proper and full coalition" between the Tories and Liberal Democrats would bring "the strong, stable, good and decent government we need so badly". He admitted it would be "hard and difficult work" and that the coalition deal would "throw up all sorts of challenges". He said it would be built on the values of "fairness and responsibility". >>> Andrew Grice, Political Editor | Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Embracing Change: Cameron Forges Historic Coalition
David Cameron, pictured with his wife Samantha just before entering 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister. Photograph: Times Online
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

Clegg Braced for Revolt from Sceptical Lib Dems as He Tries to Sell Tory Deal to Party
MAIL ONLINE: Nick Clegg is bracing himself for a revolt from the grassroots party as he tried to sell a historic deal with the Tories to sceptical Lib Dem MPs

Sources close to the Lib Dem leader said he was confident of winning the support of most of his parliamentary party and senior officials.

But senior party activists were also trying to organise a revolt to force his deal to the vote of a special conference.

The Lib Dem leader has come under fire for playing both Labour and the Tories off against each other during protracted negotiations over the past week.

Some in the party fear that the Lib Dems could face a wipe out if the coalition flounders and the country faces another election in a few months time.

Historically minor coalition partners are punished at the ballot box for propping up unpopular governments. >>> Gerri Peev | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tory-Lib Dem Deal Edges Closer
THE INDEPENDENT: Liberal Democrat and Conservative negotiations were locked in talks at the Cabinet Office in Whitehall tonight which could lead to a coalition between the two parties putting David Cameron in Number 10.

And an unconfirmed report in the Evening Standard suggested that Gordon Brown might stand down as Prime Minister as early as this evening, while the BBC reported that cases were being packed into vehicles at the rear of Downing Street.

Meanwhile, Labour hopes of a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats appeared to be fading this afternoon, as a Cabinet minister went public with his misgivings about the idea.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham - tipped by some as a potential successor to Gordon Brown as Labour leader - said the party had to "respect" the result of last week's General Election in which Conservatives won most seats and votes. >>> Press Association | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Benedict Brogan: Con-Lib Is Back On, Which May Be Why Vince Cable Has Just Been Seen in the Treasury
THE TELEGRAPH – BLOGS: Things are moving towards a deal between David Cameron and Nick Clegg. The Tory leader walked through Portcullis House a short while ago wearing a big smile and with his chief whip by his side. Word is a coalition is about to be agreed with a programme and seats around the Cabinet table for the Lib Dems. More intriguing are reports that Tories have offered policy concessions to sweeten the deal, including parking recognition of marriage in the tax system and inheritance tax. Can’t see it myself, but that’s the word around the rented trees of Port Ho. Read on and comment >>> Benedict Brogan | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Talks Between Labour and Liberal Democrats Break Down
THE TELEGRAPH: Coalition talks between Labour and the Liberal Democrats have broken down with Gordon Brown reporting to be quitting as prime minister.

Photograph: The Telegraph
The development paves the way for the Conservatives to agree a power-sharing deal with Nick Clegg's party.

It comes after senior Labour figures urged Gordon Brown to "call it quits" on efforts to form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

There were reports that Mr Brown was set to resign as prime minister on Tuesday night.

The Lib Dems opened up talks with Labour yesterday morning but at a meeting late last night, some Lib Dem MPs shifted back towards a Tory deal.

One senior Lib Dem said: "There is a sense that the party has realised that the Conservative deal is the best deal on offer. The Tories are desperate and they've improved their offer a lot.

"As long as the party can get over the emotional hurdle of backing the Tories, that's where we'll end up."

A Tory close to the talks said: "They've realised a deal with Labour would be a disaster for them. We're optimistic." >>> | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

UK Credit Rating Set for Downgrade Under Lib-Lab Deal, City Analysts Warn
THE GUARDIAN: Lab-Lib government the least liked option by markets and would almost guarantee a downgrade of UK debt – BNP Paribas

Britain would most likely suffer an expensive and potentially damaging downgrade to its debt rating if the Liberal Democrats form a coalition with Labour, City analysts warned today amid ongoing uncertainty about the creation of a new government.

As the Institute of Directors called on political parties to focus on the economy rather than the need for electoral reform, analysts at BNP Paribas reckoned that a "Lab-Lib government is the least liked option by markets and would almost guarantee a downgrade of the UK sovereign [debt]".

The top-notch AAA debt rating that the UK currently holds ensures that the country achieves the most competitive rates when raising money on the financial markets. If the rating is cut then the country would be forced to pay more to borrow money - although it has a long way to fall before reaching the junk status assigned to Greece, the recipient of a €110bn (£94bn) bailout package from the International Monetary Fund and eurozone countries. >>> Jill Treanor | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Lib Dems Return to Talks with Tories
THE INDEPENDENT: Liberal Democrat negotiators were this afternoon returning to discussions with Conservatives after spending the morning locked in talks with Labour over a possible coalition deal, it was announced today.

It was revealed that Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg this morning met David Cameron privately for an hour while the Lib Dem/Labour discussions were under way.

Labour's Ed Miliband described this morning's meeting, which lasted almost three hours, as "constructive", but reports in Westminster suggested the Lib Dems remain cautious about a pact.

A Lib Dem spokesman said that the party would resume talks with Conservatives at 2pm at the Cabinet Office in Whitehall.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague put out a message on Twitter to say: "Will be returning to the Cabinet Office shortly to resume negotiations with the Liberal Democrats."

Tories yesterday made what they described as their "final offer" to the Lib Dems, under which the parties would make a formal coalition with a referendum on the alternative vote system for Westminster elections. >>> Daniel Bentley and Joe Sinclair, PA | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tory Patience Begins to Run Out After Clegg's 'Act of Betrayal'
THE INDEPENDENT: David Cameron won a noisy show of support from his newly enlarged group of Tory MPs for his final offer to the Liberal Democrats.

In a packed private meeting addressed by the Conservative leader, they cheered, laughed and banged their desks as he set out his party's negotiating red lines. But beneath the surface unity, there was dismay, anxiety and barely disguised fury at what many saw as straightforward betrayal by the Liberal Democrats. One said simply: "They are a bunch of tarts selling themselves around." >>> Nigel Morris, Deputy Political Editor | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Liberal Democrats Pave Way for Labour Coalition as Recriminations Grow
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

Are Lib Dems Going to Symbolize Dishonour from Now On?
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

Liberal Democrats Behaving Like 'Every Harlot in History', Says David Blunkett
THE TELEGRAPH: The Liberal Democrats are facing recriminations from all sides over Nick Clegg's decision to make overtures towards Gordon Brown while conducting talks with David Cameron.

Britain's third party is looking forward to "crunch time" as it is poised to decide the make-up of the next Government.

However, while senior Conservatives described Mr Clegg's behaviour as "sordid", former Labour home secretary David Blunkett compared him with a "harlot".

"Can we trust the Liberal Democrats?" Mr Blunkett asked. "They’re behaving like every harlot in history."

Adding that the Conservatives were in a stronger position to form a stable Government, he urged his party's leadership to accept a period in opposition rather than an unworkable coalition. >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

THE TELEGRAPH – BLOGS: Nick Clegg reminds me of a blackmailer in an old film: The most disgusting aspect of yesterday’s events was not Gordon Brown’s pathetic attempt to escape the judgment of the electorate; it was Nick Clegg’s sudden decision to alter the terms of his negotiations with the Tories because he had received a supposedly better offer. >>> Damian Thompson | Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Labour-Lib Dem Coalition Is Not What We Voted For


THE TELEGRAPH: A Labour-Lib Dem coalition is not what we voted for: If the abuse of expenses was a scandal, then what should we make of this abuse of trust, asks Benedict Brogan. >>> Benedict Brogan | Monday, May 10, 2010

Gordon Brown to Resign: A Very Labour Coup
THE TELEGRAPH: Gordon Brown has been accused of a “sordid” attempt to keep Labour in power after offering his resignation in return for a coalition with the Liberal Democrats.



On a day of high political drama, Mr Brown seized on David Cameron’s failure to secure a pact with Nick Clegg by opening formal talks to agree a so-called “coalition of losers”.

In a surprise announcement, the Prime Minister offered to oversee talks between the two parties before stepping down by the time of the Labour conference in September, when a new leader would be chosen by party members.

If accepted, the proposal would mean Mr Brown remaining in Downing Street for another five months and voters being presented with a second unelected prime minister in a row.

The leadership campaign, which is likely to be contested by David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, his brother Ed, the Climate Change Secretary, and Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary, and others, will only begin after any talks are concluded.

Last night senior Conservatives accused the Lib Dem leader of “treachery” after it emerged that Mr Clegg had changed the basis of a deal with Mr Cameron just minutes before Mr Brown made his statement.

John Reid, the former Labour Home Secretary, warned that a Labour-Lib Dem coalition would result in “mutually assured destruction” for both parties. >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Monday, May 10, 2010

Gordon Brown Clings On: A Bleak Day for British Democracy
THE TELEGRAPH: Telegraph View: The Liberal Democrats are holding the country to ransom while an unelected leader of the Labour Party remains Prime Minister.

It is a measure of Gordon Brown’s loose grip on reality that he sought to depict his decision to stand down later this year as a noble act of self-sacrifice made in the national interest. The truth is that this was an act of quite staggering cynicism based on naked party advantage. With the incomprehensible connivance of Nick Clegg – whose reputation will surely never recover – Mr Brown is effectively seeking to nullify the result of last week’s general election. Blinded by his tribal loathing of the Conservatives, he is ready to risk everything – and we use that term advisedly – to keep David Cameron out of Downing Street.

This unelected leader of the Labour Party will remain Prime Minister, even though his party secured two million fewer votes and 48 fewer seats than the Tories. He will then hand over at a time of his choosing to a new Labour leader. At that point, the United Kingdom will find itself governed by a Labour prime minister the country has not elected, succeeding a Labour prime minister neither the country nor his party elected. Even by Labour’s standards, this is self-serving and unscrupulous. >>> | Monday, May 10, 2010

Strong? Stable? He's Got to Be Kidding
THE TELEGRAPH– BLOGS: Nick Clegg said the party that won the most seats and votes should have first go. He said he wanted to ensure strong and stable government in the national interest. He made plain he has little personal time for Mr Brown. His mentor Lord Ashdown on Sunday said Mr Brown was personally unsuited to coalition. David Laws said a few hours ago that the Lib Dems and Conservatives were down to negotiating over specific policy details, but a deal was near. How then will they explain themselves if, as Gordon Brown has announced, they are now negotiating a coalition of the losers with Labour? Read on and comment >>> Benedict Brogan | Monday, May 10, 2010

Gordon Brown Speaks


TIMES ONLINE: Brown quits as Labour leader to thwart Tory-Lib Dem pact : Gordon Brown announced tonight that he is to step down as Labour leader but wants to remain in No 10 for a few more months as part of a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.

Playing Labour's final card after an extraordinary weekend of post-election wrangling, the Prime Minister announced that the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg had formally asked for negotiations to begin on a power-sharing deal with Labour. >>> Philippe Naughton | Monday, May 10, 2010