Where Next for the Lib Dems in Parliament?

The Chair of Stockton Liberal Democrats, Denis Rigg, explains the process now being undertaken:

Our unfair voting system is the only one we have at the moment and it has given the Tories more votes than anyone else and more seats in Parliament. Therefore it is right that they should be allowed to try to form a government. They are asking for the support of the Lib Dems in order to do that.

I believe it is right for Nick and the team to listen to what is on offer, to press very hard for our priorities and to see if there is any way to work together.

Listening to overtures doesn't mean that they will be accepted. Nick Clegg cannot make a deal himself. We are a democratic party and have a mechanism in place to stop that. In 1998 the Party's Spring Conference passed a resolution that says:

(i) in the event of any substantial proposal which could affect the Party's independence of political action, the consent will be required of a majority of members of the Parliamentary Party in the House of Commons and the Federal Executive; and,

(ii) unless there is a three-quarters majority of each group in favour of the proposals, the consent of the majority of those present and voting at a Special Conference convened under clause 6.6 of the Constitution; and,

(iii) unless there is a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at that Conference in favour of the proposals, the consent of a majority of all members of the Party voting in the ballot called pursuant to clause 6.11 or 8.6 of the Constitution.

As you can see, the minimum requirement is the agreement of more than three quarters of MPs and more than three quarters of the Federal Executive - no easy task.

If the talks with the Tories fail then we can decide to listen to other suggestions or to make suggestions of our own. Unless one party leader can gain a majority in the House of Commons there is another general election looming. I don't think the country wants that - people on the doorstep wanted politicians to sort out the failed economy and get Britain working again.

I am passing on the views of members here to our MPs and to Regional officers. I will continue to keep our members informed as much as possible of any decisions or consultations taking place.