Vince Cable
Lib Dem Cabinet Minister Vince Cable tore into the Tories yesterday, condemning them as "ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal".
The Business Secretary's latest attack on his coalition partners reflected Liberal Democrats' fury with Tory tactics to defeat the "Yes to the Alternative Vote" campaign in last week's referendum.
Mr Cable signalled the new chill in relations with PM David Cameron by describing the Tories as "not our natural bedfellows".
His criticism, in the wake of the Lib Dems' election drubbing, was backed by other senior party members.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said Lib Dem leader and Deputy PM Nick Clegg had been "let down" by Mr Cameron.
As well as their embarrassment over the AV poll, Lib Dems lost 695 English seats in Thursday's local elections.
While insisting the coalition will continue, Mr Cable made clear Lib Dems would not accept any policies that go beyond last year's agreement with the Tories, such as controversial NHS reforms.
He said: "Some of us never had many illusions about the Conservatives, but they have emerged as ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal.
"But that doesn't mean to say we can't work with them. I think they have always been that way, but you have to be businesslike and professional and work with people who aren't your natural bedfellows."
It's not the first time Mr Cable has criticised his coalition partners, attacking David Cameron on immigration and speaking last month of his "revulsion" at Tory policies.
Lib Dems will try to rebuild morale by pushing for cherished aims such as reforming the House of Lords.
But Tory MPs signalled they would oppose any further concessions despite orders from No 10 to avoid direct attacks on Mr Clegg and his party.
Backbencher Mark Field said: "There are some very difficult decisions to be made... and the idea that somehow the Liberals can get all the credit for any changes would be something many Conservatives would feel distinctly uneasy about."
COMMENT: Page 14
No comments:
Post a Comment