Gordon giving up?

[d000hg]

(from BBC) Labour dismisses Alex Salmond's suggestion of a "progressive alliance", saying the possibility of the nationalists and Labour working together was "a desperate attempt by Alex Salmond to make himself look relevant after a terrible general election result".

Given that Labour need virtually every non-Tory MP, this would seem to be shooting themselves in the foot rather considering SNP with 6 seats is one of the largest small parties.

[Green Mango]

Given that Labour need virtually every non-Tory MP, this would seem to be shooting themselves in the foot rather considering SNP with 6 seats is one of the largest small parties.

Yeah, but the SNP will want a very high price for their support, too high even for Gord.

[AtW]

Given that Labour need virtually every non-Tory MP

What makes you think so?

If Con-LibDem alliance works then they'll have nice majority: it won't matter if labour got extra few votes, this won't make much difference.

[d000hg]

The alternative to ConDem is Labour + LibDem + nearly everyone else, to get a majority and get some stability. Brown clearly planned to do this if Dave and Nick can't agree on terms.

[HairyArsedBloke]

Many thanks to G.O.T for this.

[threaded]

Given that Labour need virtually every non-Tory MP, this would seem to be shooting themselves in the foot rather considering SNP with 6 seats is one of the largest small parties.

He'll promise everyone everything they want as long as he has his one and only one non-negotiable point: he gets to stay in #10.

He's just that kinda guy.

[centurian]

Given that Labour need virtually every non-Tory MP, this would seem to be shooting themselves in the foot rather considering SNP with 6 seats is one of the largest small parties.

But virtually every non Tory MP is anti-Tory anyway (NI Unionist MP's are probably the only exception).

NL+LD+SNP+PC = 325-SF

The maths do add up - but only just. The question is - what would be the SNP/PC price. While they will be aiming for a high price - simply keeping the Tories out may be considered adequate payment.

[Gonzo]

NL+LD+SNP+PC = 325-SF

The maths do add up - but only just.

There are some projects that have the word folly written all over them at the outset and this would be one of them.

Will the Liberals be mindful that their intransigence cost them a chance of power in 1974 and it has taken a long time to get the chance again?

If the Liberal / Conservative talks do not work out then Gordon can have a go at trying to form a government. Noone can make him resign until Parliament reconvenes.

It is all getting a bit tedious now.

[HairyArsedBloke]

If the Liberal / Conservative talks do not work out then Gordon can have a go at trying to form a government. Noone can make him resign until Parliament reconvenes.

It is all getting a bit tedious now.

Yeah, give it a go Gordo! We're right behind you (with a big pointy stick )

Gordo leading a progressive left wing government is exactly what the people of the country need right now.

Tedious? Nah, wait until next week - it'll be very exciting.

[neil987]

question about protocol

I know that Brown is PM until he resigns, but what happens if he decides to throw a tantrum about Cameron and Clegg stitching up a coalition against him?

If they decided that they were going to do this, can Brown as the PM decide he is not going to let them and go to the Palace and advice the Queen to call another election instead of giving the others a chance?

I know this would probably end his political career, just as the Queen would cause a crisis if she decided to do some of the things she technically could, but being honest, he already has ended his political life so he has nothing to lose.