Coalition Politics

The art of politics is fascinating to watch, but normally the detail is hidden behind party room doors. With the Coalition Government however, a lot more is seeping out into the public thanks to the exposé of the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers.

Over recent weeks we saw just how "worried" the Coalition leadership are of the Tory and LibDems party members. Take the recent proposal for an AV Referendum and review of "electoral boundaries". The leadership put the two measures in a single parliamentary bill to make sure that both parts were passed.

The Tories generally do not want the AV Referendum because they see it as being a threat to them electorally but they certainly do want the "electoral boundaries" as it will weaken Labour. Meanwhile the LibDems certainly want the AV Referendum and are prepared to go along with the review of "electoral boundaries". So while the backbenchers may be either luke-warm or against one of the proposals, no one is so opposed to individual items that they are prepared to rebel against the proposed bill as a whole.

It is clear in this case that the Leadership wanted to make sure that the Bill went through the House of Commons essentially as-is, without causing any serious rumblings from the backbench.

Then there was the 55% super-majority for fixed term parliaments - it is strange that the magic figure of 55% was such that no realistic group of parties could achieve this 55% figure, and therefore neither party in the coalition could make a deal to force a change in government.

And then of course there was the unedifying sight Vince Cable "bragging" about how he would "do in" Rupert Murdoch over BSkyB. This, of course, was a sack-able offence (even if it wasn't Murdoch who was involved) but that would have weakened the LibDems even more than they currently are so instead the control of TV was removed from "VC" and given to another minister.

The grumblings from LibDems ministers about their Tory colleagues were interesting to read, and probably many Tory backbenchers (and even ministers) agreed with some of the comments the Daily telegraph reported.

It will be fascinating to see how things have changed in 2 years time as the cuts start to work their way throughout the economy - the LibDems are on the defence at the moment, but will the Tories be so cocky in 2 years time.

May we live in interesting times...