Cameron makes offer to Liberal Democrats

According to the BBC News article, "Election: Cameron makes offer to Lib Dems on government" Cameron has given a vague and open offer to the Liberal Democrats to form a coalition government. In the last election, the conservatives gained a significant number of seats in parliament, but not enough for a majority. The result is a hung parliament that will rest on coalition government. Unwritten rules in the constitution let the sitting Prime Minister make the first attempt to form a coalition government. Mr. Cameron however is arguing that Gordon Brown has "lost his mandate to rule," and believes he should get the first attempt. The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, has made statements supporting Cameron's claim. Meanwhile, Mr. Brown is making assertions about his "constitutional duty" as prime minister to try to "resolve the situation."

In speeches, Cameron referred to the Labour party as "outgoing," and cites his desire to fix Britains most "urgent problems - the debt crisis, our deep social problems and our broken political system," he said. He has made several comments about reaching out to multiple parties.

There are some large differences in Liberal Democratic and Conservative ideology, especially in regards to defense and the European Union. Cameron, however, cites "many areas of common ground." The two parties agree on reducing carbon emmissions, tax reform, and they both oppose to the Labour party's "ID card scheme."

Other political analysts doubt the possibility of a coalition government. There is another possibility, however--the liberal democrats could allow Cameron to govern by refraining from voting down the budget and the queens speech. This would prevent them from being associated with decisions they do not agree with, while still giving them some power in the new government.

This article relates to the concept of change in government. The British electoral system is unusual in that it can result in a "hung parliament" and no chief executive. This article discusses possible results from this hung parliament.

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