Rumous that Clegg will be deputy?

[FrakkedUpTheElection]

BBC just now.

Coalition not formally announced yet, don't think the Lib Dems have officially approved it.

Yes?
No?
Maybe?

Yep - confirmed on BBC News.

I can't imagine why the Lib Dems ended up with the Conservatives...!

It's a funny role though. When Prescott was Deputy PM he had other roles in the Cabinet and he was very involved.
What it means for Clegg depends on the remit the role is given for him.

Clegg confirmed as Deputy by Sky.

Perhaps he'll be like a lady in waiting?

So when Dave is off sick/on holiday will he be PM?

Tis all true

I really don't think they ended up with the Tories "for the good of the country."

And I bet we don't see much of Lib Dem policy over the next few years.....

Heigh ho.

Hey, Dave has paternity leave coming up

A real non-job unless it is linked to something else imo. Definitely a vanity position only.

well, the Lib Dems have got their 10k tax threshold plans in the agreement and the marriage & inheritance tax are shelved. The Tories have made a lot of concessions, seemingly in exchange for being allowed to start deficit-cutting this year.

Winky I think we will see quite a lot of it, starting with raising the tax threshold to £10k. Thoroughly approve of that one, will take a lot of part-time workers out of paying tax and reduce workload on HMRC which means they can be slimmed down and money saved.

Heathen - he does

Mollie - that is somewhat my feeling. Remains to be seen what brief is attached to it.

Seriously, though, the post of Deputy Prime Minister was created by Thatcher to keep Heseltine off her back, wasn't it? Used to keep someone happy who wants an important job title but who you don't want to have any actual power. I'm sure Nick is under no illusions as to his status.

Heathen we're returning to ye olde fashioned family values - there won't be any paternity leave.

I always wondered if Heseltine was keeping Mrs T on her back...

like keith harris and orville?

He doesn't get any extra money for it, according to Wikipedia...

Huhne for Home Secretary apparently?

Hmmm, perhaps that will be one of the first public sector jobs to go?

A lib Dem as home secretary? no sentences under six months...? bet they didn't get that past the Tory committee (but oh, how I would laugh)

got it wrong, marriage tax will be tabled (with LDs abstaining). Don't cancel your weddings.

Yeah, just popped back to express disappointment that the marriage tax stays. A sop to Cameron's right wing I guess. Any danger there's enough libertarian-leaning Tories to vote it down?

I wonder if Huhne will get Justice and Gove will get Home Sec to make room for David Laws at Education.

Danny Alexander confirmed as Scotland Sec.

It has been confirmed that Clegg will be deputy Priminister, what do the Tories think about that? it seems incredible, but true.

best argument against PR and lots of hung parliaments!
not fair that the party with the 3rd most amount of votes gets the 2nd most power

I think backbenchers are rumbling, but I think it is fair enough actually. It could end up being a fairly meaningless post but it will have allowed the Tories to get what they wanted on Europe and Trident.