After a few subtle flirtations, Nick Clegg has finally decided that his Lib Dems will support the Tories in the event of a hung parliament. Apparently, he’d back Tory Budgets, and side with Cameron & Co. in any votes of confidence. It’s a set-up which would leave the Tory leader free to accept the post of Prime Minister after the next general election, even if his party doesn’t win an outright majority.
The timing of this decision is telling. Many expected Clegg to leave things up in the air, and make his move in the wake of the next general election. But the fact that it’s come now suggests he already expects a Tory victory of sorts – a fact which will pile further pressure on Gordon Brown by itself.
Besides, many inside Labour will see this as yet another battle lost by the Prime Minister. Brown’s party should always have a head-start when it comes to forming alliances with the Lib Dems.
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