I was struck by the likeness of Liberal leader Nick Clegg to Private Pike from Dad’s Army, but subsequently appalled when he acted like him.
He now runs the risk of proving himself and his party a nonentity in the present Government, with the Tory proposals for a fixed Parliament.
He must consider what prompts the suggested majority of 55 per cent to bring about the dissolution of a government. Fifty-five per cent of members is 357 and with the Tories at 306, there are only 344 non- Tories in the house.
If the Liberal Democrats do not oppose the change to the constitution, they face the almost certain prospect of being screwed by the Tories who then, apart from not needing them, will be in a stronger position than they would have been had they gone it alone with a minority government.
Les Harrington
St Mary’s Drive
Benfleet
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