The Path Not Taken

[steepholm]

So the Lib Dems are talking to the Tories about forming a coalition - one of my nightmare scenarios. Still more worryingly, Clegg is making noises about the need to provide "good government in a time of economic crisis", which sounds rather as if he's being seduced away from what should be his number one demand, electoral reform. PR is his for the taking, if he can keep his eyes on the prize. But if he passes it up now in favour of being a member of an austerity government, he'll not get another chance.

ETA: After today's negotiations, Cameron's team reported that the LibDems were 'serious' people conducting 'grown-up' negotiations. I read that as code for 'Electoral reform is waaaay down the agenda'.

Comments

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

I should have been clearer. I don't believe the Tories will give the Lib Dems PR either; but the Labour Party almost certainly would, at this stage. Of course, that alliance wouldn't be sufficient to form a majority in the House of Commons, but for a vote on a PR referendum they could probably count on the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens, and maybe some of the Northern Irish MPS. Then they'd squeak it.

You're right that the Lib Dems would probably have to work with the Tories some time under PR, and shouldn't be afraid of that as such. But that should be after they get reform, not instead of it. If they haven't learned from last Thursday that as a third party under the current system their vote is always going to get squeezed like a lemon, they don't deserve any better.