One of the most notable elements of yesterday’s mildly awkward presentation of the coalition’s agenda was the failure by the Tory-led government to name a date for the promised referendum on the Alternative Vote system.
So, it is not surprising that the Lib Dems are now pushing for a date — 5 May 2011. Some say this comes amid fears among Lib Dems that a delay could enhance the possibility of a “No” vote.
But with the Tories anyway set to campaign for “No”, I suspect this is more about the Lib Dems trying to assert their authority and show they have not “sold out” in these early, rather surreal days of the coalition.