The Guardian have been running a delicious story from “Conservative sources” I’ve been much involved in during the day, claiming that Cameron would defy convention and insist that Brown should resign straight away if the Tories become the largest party but without an overall majority. This would invoke the ultimate taboo and embarrass the Queen by potentially involving her in politics. The Cameron camp are worried that if time is allowed for inter-party talks opinion could solidify in favour of keeping the Tories out. Leading experts have replied to defend the conventions and suggest the Scottish helicopter option to Cameron ( see towards the end of the story).
Former BBC journalist and manager in Belfast, Manchester and London, Editor Spolight; Political Editor BBC NI; Current Affairs Commissioning editor BBC Radio 4; Editor Political and Parliamentary Programmes, BBC Westminster; former London Editor Belfast Telegraph. Hon Senior Research Fellow, The Constitution Unit, Univ Coll. London