The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Tory MP: we won’t fight Lib Dems at the next election

The Tories will not put up candidates against most Lib Dem MPs, predicts Mark Field.

By George Eaton Published 26 July 2010 16:11

Speculation that there will be some sort of Tory-Lib Dem pact in 2015 has been growing for several weeks, with Michael Portillo recently suggesting that the two parties should fight the next election under the banner of "The Coalition".

Now, in a fascinating post on ConservativeHome, the Tory MP Mark Field has said that his party is almost certain to give "most Liberal Democrat incumbents" a free run in their seats, with the Lib Dems reciprocating by not standing against the most vulnerable Conservative MPs. Field may only be one MP, but his piece could be indicative of thinking elsewhere in the party.

The implications of such a pact would be profound. As the Tories would struggle to win a Commons majority without taking seats off the Lib Dems, a pact would amount to a de facto endorsement of permanent coalition government. Cameron's recent assertion that he views the coalition not as an alliance of convenience, but as a vehicle to realign British politics, suggests he may be open to this option.

Interestingly, while Field's proposal makes a lot of sense under first-past-the-post, it would make little under the Alternative Vote. Under AV, the coalition partners would likely advise their voters to give each other second preferences, and still put up candidates in every constituency.

But should Field's prediction come to pass, we can expect a record number of candidates from Ukip and the non-aligned right, trying to attract all those Tory voters who wouldn't dare lend their support to Nick Clegg's party.

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Tags: Nick Clegg David Cameron

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18 comments

Mon, 2010-07-26 23:29 — paul barker (not verified)

There have been such pacts before, the obvious example being that between the Liberals & The SDP. There we saw two Parties with almost identical policies & even then it was hard. I cant imagine either Party making compromises on the scale neede.
If we get AV, as you say the idea becomes meaningless. As to recomending who voters pick as second preference, that strikes me as patronising & Illiberal.

Tue, 2010-07-27 01:43 — Alun (not verified)

This is, of course, what the Tories agreed with the Liberal Nationals and the Liberal Unionists before them. Om nom nom.

Thu, 2010-08-12 20:56 — cgcenet

@swatantra: It would not simply be a matter of agreement between Cameron and Clegg. It would have to be agreed within their respective parties. I can't speak for the Tories, but I'm certain the Lib Dems would have none of it.

Wed, 2010-12-15 05:33 — replica swiss watches (not verified)

It not absolutely approaches me.

Sat, 2010-09-04 04:20 — Paul McKeown (not verified)

What a load of cobblers. Labour just resorting to barefaced lying about their political opponents. Utterly shameless.

Tue, 2010-07-27 10:02 — Sue Marsh (not verified)

This would be a gift for Labour too. They would campaign by saying the Tories and Libs are afraid of standing on their own merits, that the only way they can win is by treating the electorate like they have no minds of their own, by trying to stitch up the results.
Anyway, there is no way on earth this coalition will last that long, let alone want anything to do with each other in 5 years!!

Tue, 2010-07-27 10:32 — Rosie (not verified)

This is an ominous sign for any Liberal Democrat voter, if adopted by Cameron and Clegg, this would certainly be the end of the Liberal Democrat party. The signs are bad enough now with the party struggling to maintain a 15% poll rating, dipping to 14% and even 13% on some days, if Liberal Democrat voters thought they were voting for some sort of Tory party in all but name, I see this as the absolute end. I also have to say that this coalition is one of the most illiberal right wing government's that I have ever known in my entire life. Is this what Liberal Democrat voters voted for? For those that defend their party come what may, whatever their leaders expect them to swallow next, is this what they really want? Their water paint yellow is being shaded out on its way to blue absolute!
The Liberal Democrat party is virtually no more!

Tue, 2010-07-27 10:42 — Andrea Gill (not verified)

And Mark Field was so sensible (and Lib Dem sounding - maybe this tells us something?) in the post-budget debate...

Tue, 2010-12-14 05:15 — Daily Shopping Store (not verified)

Bravo, what excellent answer.

Fri, 2010-12-03 16:58 — Ray Gatting (not verified)

Time has proven that Nick Clegg is an egotistical Chancer. He has put the Liberals at risk, due to his own ego and power lust. He will be remembered as the Liberal Ramsay McDonald, just watch what happens to the Liberals at the local elections, let alone the next General Election.

Fri, 2010-12-03 17:12 — Nick (not verified)

Why doesn't Clegg stop pretending, he's a Tory and should just declare his lifelong commitment to their policies, as should any other 'Liberal' of a similar ilk. I'm of the belief that this coalition will never last until 2015; it's already falling apart at the seams and we haven't seen the extent of their damage yet.

Clegg should declare his love for Cameron now and commit to staying together for richer, for poorer until the day they die. That day can't come soon enough!

Mon, 2010-07-26 18:21 — James Graham (not verified)

As I said on Twitter two days ago, if this does come to passs (and I think its highly unlikely), I will personally stand as an Independent Lib Dem against any "Coalition" Conservative. And I'm pretty confident I can find 400 others who would do the same.

Mon, 2010-07-26 18:27 — S Conway

The elections to a New House of "Lords" has to be through a form of Proportional Representation.

Mon, 2010-07-26 18:29 — swatantra nandanwar

you might as well stand as an Independent because you'd have to hand in your Lib Dem membership card, if Fields proposal was agreed beween Cameron and Clegg.

Mon, 2010-07-26 19:38 — James Graham (not verified)

Swatantra,

There is no prohibition against Lib Dems standing against people in other parties. I would certainly contest being chucked out of the party but I accept it would be might end up being a consequence.

But I'm quite sure that Clegg understands that it would be an act of political suicide that would effectively mean the end of the Lib Dems and I'm quite sure that he has agreed no such thing.