Will new Lib Dem leader do deal with PM?
THE Conservatives and Liberal Democrats held a secret meeting yesterday, opening up the prospect of another coalition government.
Tory whips met with Alistair Carmichael, deputy chief whip during the alliance, as talks between the Government and the DUP continued.
Talks opened after Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, who had ruled out pacts, deals and coalitions, stepped down on Wednesday.
There is a feeling that the new party leader may agree to a deal, and would be able to secure the backing of the party.
One possibility is that former equalities minister Jo Swinson takes over from Mr Farron, and agrees to enter into a coalition with the Tories after their deal with the DUP is done.
If there was a coalition, the Lib Dems would likely push for a Cabinet minister job such as Home Secretary to enable them to influence immigration policy. They would also ensure they could influence human rights rulings, but would agree with the housing and planning policies, sources indicated.
Mr Farron’s departure triggered a leadership contest yesterday, with both Sir Vince Cable and Norman Lamb appearing to throw their hats into the ring. Former busi- ness secretary Sir Vince said he ‘hadn’t ruled anything out’.
Former health spokesman Mr Lamb said: ‘I’m talking to [wife] Mary, family, friends and colleagues. Will then make decision.’
However, Miss Swinson, 37, is the bookies’ favourite to take over. She lost her Dunbartonshire East seat to the SNP in 2015, but regained it with a majority of more than 5,000 on June 8.
She attracted controversy after saying that mothers should be able to bring their babies into the House of Commons. As equalities minister, she argued for genderneutral toys and school uniforms to prevent discrimination against LGBT children.