Just one more question then we can all go back to football

[Harty]

As an proud citizen of this country, a parent and a small businessman, I sincerely hope the coalition works on all levels, and David Cameron and his massed ranks get this country back on its feet.

If this is the case and the new political arrangement works does that mean that at the next general election for example will Norman Baker not face a Tory candidate in Lewes, or Peter Bottomley not be up against a Lib Dem in Worthing West?

 

[Kumquat]

If it works long term, yes, but highly unlikely. Would need agreement in the next few months or year between the lib dems and tories on a single policy on europe, defence and immigration. More likely that the coalition will break over these issues at some point and we will go back to the three main parties. However, like you, i hope it works.

 

[strings]

No, they'll have almost certainly arranged a timeframe for the coalition, after which time either the coalition is renegotiated or there is an election. You will see Lib Dems and Tories at each others' collective throats as soon as an election has been called.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Experience elsewhere says that coalition government does not mean electoral alliances.

The UK examples are all in local government (or the Welsh and Scottish national governments). Norman Baker was a senior member of the LibDem / Labour controlled East Sussex County Council. The LibDems still found themselves opposed at council elections by Labour candidates.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

What about the one seat (Thirsk) that hasn't had their Election yet?