Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Ed Balls proposes coalition with Vince Cable

Ed Balls has today made his very own full, open and comprehensive offer to the Liberal Democrats – or, rather, to Vince Cable. The shadow chancellor said he could work very well with Vince (but, pointedly, not Nick Clegg).

‘I wish George Osborne would see Vince Cable as a man to do business with and listen to, rather than telling the newspapers he is putting his allies in [to the Business department] to try and surround him and hold him back. Vince should be listened to on banking reform and on the economy. I could work with Vince. I would like the Liberal Democrats to say right now that this coalition has failed and we’re going to change course.’

Balls can’t really work with anyone (just ask Ed Miliband); and nor is he likely to have to. The Westminster political system seldom gives us coalitions because victories tend to be decisive.

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