Political Games

[andrewducker]

I had a sudden thought - the Conservatives have 47% of the seats - this means that they can't trigger another election without the support of the Lib Dems. Could the 55% rule be there just as much to keep the Lib Dems in power as it is to keep in the Conservatives? Because by-elections could bring the Conservatives+allies to the point where they could dissolve things, but that wouldn't (under the proposed system) allow them to call for another election.

On the other hand, if Labour turned itself around, was willing to form a coalition with LD, PC and SNP, and became a lot more liberal than they have been, then it would be possible for them to call a vote of no confidence and then form a government, without causing a new election to occur.

Have I got something wrong there?

Comments

[andrewducker]

Yup, the Lib Dems hold the balance of power here, with not as much power as they would have, had Labour been willing to deal, but still a fair amount. I'm not entirely sure I approve of that, as it seems anti-democratic. On the other hand, if it means we get better voting, then great :->