I am a labour voter and I am feeling quite chipper about all this. I wouldn't actually support a Lib/ Lab pact: I don't think it would ever shake off the reputation of having "stolen" the election, and coupled with the economic horror to come it could just about condemn the left to permanent opposition.
My feeling is that NC will not enter a coalition with the Tories. If there is any deal with them it will be a "supply and competence" arrangement that gives them just enough support to vote through key decisions. The other possible outcome IMHO is that the Tories will have to muddle thruogh with a minority gvmt.
Reasons to be cheerful in either case:
- Whatever happens, the Tories do not have enough power to vote for their more right-wing policies. Anything they do from now on will be checked, either by a coalition partner or by the prospect of a defeat vote.
- Nick Clegg and the Lib team could not abandon their principles for a shot at power, even if they were so inclined (and I don't think they are). They are currently taking views from all party members at local level to feed in to the executive committee meeting tonight. NC will not be able to act without the endorsement of this committee. And I don't think they will go for any deal that does not include a firm commitment on PR.
-The tough and unpopular decisions will bear the stamp of Cameron and Osborne. Labour can keep its hands clean and regroup.
Most of all I am cheerful because immediately before the election, I had begun to think that the entire country had lurched to the right. I despaired at the con of the Big Society and the influence of the Murdoch media. The election has shown that the Tories have not made much headway beyond their core vote, despite the telegenic hamshine. The country now has a progressive majority. And NC has the leverage he needs to ensure that future elections will reflect that fact.