By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:28 PM on 1st May 2011


David Cameron and Nick Clegg insisted the coalition would not be torn apart by the electoral reform despite increasingly bitter exchanges.

As the campaign entered its final stages, the Liberal Democrat leader renewed his criticism of the No camp for spreading 'misinformation' about the Alternative Vote (AV).

Mr Clegg also said the issue was 'far more important' than his own personal popularity or even the performance of the Government.

At odds: Clegg, left, and Cameron, right, both appeared on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show to renew their opposing arguments

For his part, the Prime Minister warned that switching systems would be 'expensive' and a 'huge mistake'.

However, both men stressed that the alliance between the Tories and Lib Dems would survive until 2015 regardless of the outcome on Thursday.

With polls suggesting AV will be resoundingly rejected, Labour leader Ed Miliband has complained that Mr Clegg's involvement has proved a 'massive hindrance' to the Yes campaign.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, the Deputy Prime Minister conceded it was proving difficult to persuade people to 'move with the times'.

War: Labour leader Ed Miliband has complained that Mr Clegg's involvement has proved a 'massive hindrance' to the Yes campaign

War: Labour leader Ed Miliband has complained that Mr Clegg's involvement has proved a 'massive hindrance' to the Yes campaign

But he said it was too early to start a 'post-mortem' of the campaign, adding that the royal wedding had been taking much of the public's attention.

'It is sometimes quite challenging to persuade people that we need to change things, move with the times,' he said. 'A lot of people probably haven't quite focused on it yet. I think there is a lot to play for between now and Thursday.'

Challenged on whether his personal standing was harming the chances of a Yes victory, Mr Clegg replied: 'It is far more important than any of us. It is far more important than the coalition government.'

Despite previously condemning a 'right-wing clique' behind the No campaign, the Liberal Democrat leader said he did not want to 'personalise' the issue.

But he accused opponents of trying to 'sow confusion'. 'Those who want to argue against change will try to amplify the fears,' he added.

Appearing on the same programme, Mr Cameron said the Government would keep working together constructively after the public delivered its verdict.

'We are doing that already,' he said. 'We had a very successful Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, we will be having another Cabinet meeting this Tuesday. The business of government goes on.'

Mr Cameron went on: 'We always knew that this would be a moment of difficulty for the coalition because we always knew that Conservatives and Liberal Democrats would be on opposing sides.

'But I think it is perfectly possible, indeed we will demonstrate that it is possible, to continue a strong and effective coalition Government in the national interest for five years.'

He said both he and Mr Clegg agreed that 'if we succeed as a coalition we will both succeed as individual parties'.

The premier insisted AV would be a 'huge mistake for the country, so I hope there will be a strong no vote'.

Comedian and political activist Eddie Izzard holds a 'Yes' card after he spoke at a rally in Bristol on his UK wide tour to promote the 'Yes' to the Alternative Vote

Comedian and political activist Eddie Izzard holds a 'Yes' card after he spoke at a rally in Bristol on his UK wide tour to promote the 'Yes' to the Alternative Vote

He denied suggestions he had broken a deal with Mr Clegg not to take a high-profile role in the No campaign.

And Mr Cameron refused to back away from claims that AV would be more expensive to run than first past the post - despite the suggestion being furiously rejected by Lib Dems.

'Clearly there would be a cost if we move to a new system,' he said. 'If we move to a system with voting machines, as I think would be the case, that would be expensive.'

He also signalled that a No vote could draw a line under the prospects of electoral reform for the foreseeable future.

'No parliament can bind its successor,' Mr Cameron said.

'But I think the arguments will have been had out in public and I hope if the No campaign wins that will be a decisive one.'

The comments came after Lib Dem Energy Secretary Chris Huhne used an article in the Observer to call for a 'progressive majority' to mobilise against the Tories.

In a piece penned jointly with shadow business secretary John Denham and Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, Mr Huhne wrote: 'Britain consistently votes as a centre-left country, and yet the Conservatives have dominated our politics for two thirds of the time since 1900.

'On only two occasions in that long century - 1900 and 1931 - have the Tories won a majority of the votes. No wonder David Cameron says the current system has 'served us well'.'

Meanwhile comedian and political activist Eddie Izzard spoke at a rally in Bristol on his UK wide tour to promote the 'Yes' to the Alternative Vote.