Post-election consequences for the Coalition?

[Mellowfruitfulness]

Are the Tories going to say the LibDems are now so unpopular that they don't feel they have to make any concessions to them; or are the LibDems now going to stand up to the Tories and demand concessions, since they have nothing left to lose?

You'll find it's the latter, I think. But the timing is good. My feeling is that most of the big, unpopular stuff was deliberately timed to go through in the first 12 months. There is going to be a lot of work now on things like the NHS reforms, welfare redesign, tax rules simplification and other 'bigger picture' issues. These all need fine-tuning through consultation, and it will be a good opportunity for the LDs to be seen to be actively influencing the outcome. The Conservatives need the LDs to rally, I think, or the work they're doing will be overshadowed by calls for a leadership election from LD grass roots.

The conservatives still have to make concessions, because they need the LibDem votes in parliament - that hasn't changed any, its their popularity back when they were elected that counts, not their popularity now.

The radio this morning was suggesting that the LibDems will now stand up more to them in public, make sure the public know when there are fights going on, rather than trying to present a united front which they have (according to the radio) been trying to do so far. Which is a good idea, but rather too late from my point of view!

Clegg is a dead man walking it just needs someone to challenge him for the LD leadership, win or lose he would be badly damaged