Clegg is setting up a bidding war

Pay close attention to his choice of words.

By James Macintyre Published 07 May 2010 13:16

The conventional wisdom has it that Nick Clegg has fumbled his chance for electoral reform and real political change by reiterating his pledge to back the party with the biggest mandate -- apparently the Conservatives.

However, one senior Whitehall source says that Clegg is merely setting up a "bidding war", of which this could be merely the earliest stages.

It is worth noting that Clegg said the "first" opportunity for a deal goes to the Tories. But not the only one.

 
 

3 comments

Eastender's picture

Fri, 2010-05-07 13:45 — Eastender (not verified)

James

Congratulations for being more right than anyone else in the media love fest with Cameron & Clegg. Sometimes ignoring the herd instinct is a good thing

Nick Winstone-Cooper's picture

Fri, 2010-05-07 15:09 — Nick Winstone-Cooper

In two years, Cameron has led the Tories from a 20% lead to a draw.

I think it quite right that Clegg extracts his maximum advantage from the bidding war. It is most likely to be the one he will ever be involved in otherwise.

I can't believe that The Lib dems would even tacitly support the Tories. It would be appear that a vote for them was a vote to then be sold on.

Most Lib Dems are vehemently anti-Tory and it would split the party.

Maybe it is merely covering himself so that when the Lib dems do make an alliance with Labour, Clegg can turn around and remind people that Cameron had first chance and wasted his chance as he has this election.

Anyway with a bidding war, Labour would have to offer even more.

Mark Wilson's picture

Fri, 2010-05-07 20:56 — Mark Wilson (not verified)

Could this be a blessing in disguise for Labour??

After the upheavel of the past two years, to still hold more than 250 seats in the commons is quite astonishing.

If the Lib Dems go in with The Tories, and we end up in recession again......with another election within the year.....Labour will be perfectly placed to regain at least 50 of the seats that they lost last night...as the Tories failed to build commanding majorities in those seats.

Silver Lining eh!

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