Signs of a Split? Long-term Tory Pact "Stark Raving Mad", Says New Liberal Democrat President

[Turborama]

Tim Farron risks raising hackles within the coalition as Nick Clegg pledges that 'plural politics is here to stay'

By Matt Chorley, Political correspondent
Sunday, November 14 2010


Tim Farron, whose remarks will disappoint many in the coalition

The new president of the Liberal Democrats last night dismissed the idea of a long-term pact with the Tories as "absolutely stark raving mad".

In comments likely to raise the hackles of traditional Conservatives, Tim Farron told The Independent on Sunday his politics is "very much built upon an anger at the injustice" of Margaret Thatcher's premiership.

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"You would have to be absolutely stark raving mad to think there's any chance of a merger or closer relationship or a pact with the Conservatives." Lib Dems will contest every seat, he added.

But the remarks will disappoint many in the coalition who have hinted at the two parties moving closer together. Nick Boles, a Conservative MP close to David Cameron, proposed a formal electoral pact, while fellow Tory David Mowat suggested that in the event of the introduction of the Alternative Vote, Lib Dems would rank Tories second and vice-versa.

Full article: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/longterm-tory-pact-raving-mad-says-new-lib-dem-president-2133554.html#

[Davis_X_Machina]

1. After the next general election..

...the LibDems will be able to have their party conference in a phone box, and still have room for the buffet.

Nick Clegg's ego has done for them as a party.