GENERAL ELECTION 2010: How do grassroots party members feel about any potential deals?

By Holly_Berry | Saturday, May 08, 2010, 19:02

While the Conservative and Liberal Democrat hierarchy begin talks, I would be intrigued to know how local grassroots Liberal Democrats and Conservatives feel about the possibility of a Conservative/ Liberal Democrat Alliance?

Picture by bixentro.

While the two parties can find some common ground on the abolition of ID Cards and elements of their policies on education, they also differ dramatically on potentially much bigger issues such as immigration, Europe, and obviously proportional representation.

David Cameron and the Conservatives are clearly not keen on a referendum on PR as it would not be of benefit to them to say the least. Do Marlborough Lib Dems think such a referendum should be an essential part of any agreement reached with the Conservatives?

If you are a local Conservative are you concerned that David Cameron could make too many concessions? Do you think he should be bargaining with the Lib Dems at all? Perhaps you feel the Conservatives should govern with their minority?

Nick Clegg’s decision to talk initially with the Conservatives, who won the most votes and seats, seems a fair approach. However historically, and even in terms of current policies, the Liberal Democrats have more in common with the Labour Party than the Conservatives, so perhaps many Lib Dems would find a Labour/Lib Dem coalition more palatable? Although a referendum on PR wouldn’t benefit the Labour Party they seem more willing to consider it than the Conservatives.

What about Labour voters? Do you think Gordon Brown should stay on, or do you agree with John Mann’s comments that he should leave for the good of any potential deal with the Lib Dems?

We’re not hearing much in the media about how grassroots members of the parties (or even just everyday voters) feel about the desired outcome of any potential deal, so it would be great to hear from them.

FYI- a special edition of Newsnight starts at 6.30 pm on BBC Two.

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Comments

I liked Alec's scenario best, but hey ho, could be worst, could be just the Tories in charge. Obviously DC really did want to be PM!At least we have something close to stability now.

By ExRes at 17:56 on 16/05/10
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Well I don't envy Nick Clegg. If he joins with Dave then the libs get some power, but no chance of the electoral reform they really need, so their supporters will feel let down. Whereas a shift to the left (even further ;-) means they'll get a version of PR, but everyone will hate them for leaving Brown in.... really is a choice between the Devil and the Shallow Blue sea
;-)
My twopenneth? - I think it's worth the sacrifice to get the PR/STV method - think of the long term, people have short memories and I doubt Brown will stay at no.10, plus they could try to offset external loathing by saying they got Vince into no.11 instead of George...
PS _ am still committed to Savernake, I'll work with anyone who can bring us Tony's head on a plate ;-)

By martinhoulden at 16:43 on 09/05/10
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Agree with Martin on some things, Rich on others - am part of the great "I don't know what the hell to think any more!" movement. I reckon whoever is in over the next year will be loathed by the end of it because no one Party really came clean on just how much we are about to suffer from deep and painful cuts. From that stance, a Lib/Lab alliance would be good with an Election in a year, when they've hung themselves well and truly! However, that won't help the country get back on its feet and I couldn't stomach more of Brown - he just has to go or there will be riots in the streets!

On the other hand.... if we have a Con/Lib Gov we could possibly squeeze out the Labour party altogether until they became an "insignificant other" which would be a great relief. Dave and Nick could have some could debates and act like grown ups and get on with a job. However, there could be a lot of energy wasted trying to do the inevitable limelight stealing. There's really no time for that - we are in a mess and need strong leadership to get out of it. The two leaders might be able to come to an understanding, but will the ranks fall in?

Would have been refreshing to see a really decent candidate in this patch representing the Liberals. Would like to see more debating at local levels to see just who thinks on their feet and comes over clearly. That would be quite telling because if you can't hold your own at a local level you're never going to do it in Parliament.

Congratulations to Claire for winning - hope she talks to Martin over health issues as they seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet! Hallelujah to that!

By BusyBee2007 at 12:04 on 09/05/10
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No Martin I cant agree I think as Nick Clegg Leader of the Liberal Democrats said that the party with the greatest number of seats and the greatest number of votes was the one which had the mandate to try and form a government. IF they go it alone and form a minority government and apply the policies they are threaten in their manifesto they will be un-electable for a generation...

I am not sure there is really sufficient overlap between Conservative and Lib Dem Manifesto's to make a workable government. This is particularly true in ENGLAND where there is vast Blue areas of the map. However if you take the entire country and as I retweeted (see tinyurl.com/2ay9knf RT @libcon #ProgressiveMajority –For every 2 conservative voters, THREE voted progressive, the popular vote! tinyurl.com/2f6yrk9 ). HOWEVER, I feel a Labour, LibDem, Green progressive government best represents the countries feelings right now.

As you say and I sincerely hope your right Electoral reform could be the one silver lining out of all this. I would also like to congratulate you on putting your money were your mouth is by ACTUALLY standing. A true Democrat.

By RichPitts at 11:12 on 09/05/10
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They'd be better off letting the LibLab alliance have a go first. Thus when it all collapses in about 6-8 months, then the Tories will have a proper mandate to do the level of restructuring that the public couldn't currently stomach.

The bonus is that Brown will take (quite rightly) the blame whilst still in 'power' and Labour will be finished. Plus a short stint with the Libs might actually get the STV system in place. Electoral reform could be the one silver lining out of all this.

I think i'll stand on the sidelines and let them fight it out without me this time!

By martinhoulden at 10:33 on 09/05/10
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