“The idea that the two parties that suffered most in this election, that were rejected by the electorate, that in the case of the Labour party lost a hundred of its seats, should put together an illegitimate government, this is the Robert Mugabe style of politics,” says Conservative MP and former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind. “It’s exactly what Mugabe did you know, he lost the election and scrabbled to hold onto power.” But that is the way Senior Liberal Democrats are attempting to pull Nick Clegg, despite him being one of the most right leaning Liberal Democrats in modern history. Unfortunately Labour members from Jim Fitzpatrick to a prominent scottish labour mp, as yet unnamed have expressed doubt in the ability of their party to form a workable coalition.

In terms of the Labour Leadership contest, Harriet Harman appears to have bowed out, saying that as Deputy Leader she cannot stand for Leader of the Labour Party, though it is unclear whether this means she intends to step down, as some have suggested. David Milliband is still the favourite, with some newspapers suggesting that Ed Miliband will also stand, either to help his brother by splitting the left, or with the real intention of becoming Leader of the Labour Party.

In other election news last night’s take back parliament protest went well, and the leaders are pushing the idea that they have been successful as “Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats heard our voices that proportional representation must be part of any coalition deal. They have now begun formal negotiations with the Labour Party, who may be inclined to offer this essential reform if the Tories refuse.” They also are cheered by the Tories offer of an Alternative Vote Referendum.

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