Advertisement

Nick Clegg Calls On PM To Rule Out UKIP Deal

Nick Clegg has challenged David Cameron to rule out a post-election deal with UKIP, saying everyone knows the Tories will not win a majority.

He made the call as the Prime Minister claimed Nigel Farage's party would be "lucky if they have even one seat" after the May poll.

Refusing to be drawn on a possible alliance with UKIP, Mr Cameron said he was campaigning for a majority at Westminster, warning a Labour government propped up by the SNP was a "frightening prospect".

Tory Culture Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky News the party was short of 23 seats, which he claimed was "achievable".

:: Full Coverage Of General Election 2015

But addressing activists in Portsmouth, Mr Clegg referred to Mr Cameron's repeated refusal to rule out entering into an alliance with UKIP.

The Lib Dem leader said: "David Cameron: don't treat people as if they are stupid. You know, everybody knows, that you and the Conservative Party are not going to win a majority at this election.

"I have ruled out an alliance with the SNP, I have ruled out an alliance with UKIP, why won't you do the same?"

:: How The Parties Stand: Manifestos At A Glance

Mr Clegg said only the Lib Dems could act as a "barrier" to UKIP or the SNP holding the balance of power.

He repeated his warning of Mr Cameron becoming a "hostage" to a BLUKIP alliance, made up of Tory right-wingers, UKIP and the DUP.

He said: "I think the Conservatives are getting away with, if I can use the pun, blue murder by claiming that if you vote for the Conservatives that gives a guarantee of stability and continuity against the risk of a Miliband/Salmond government.

:: Shaker Maker - Form Your Own Virtual Government

"The real risk also is the other way - if you vote for the Conservatives you will get BLUKIP - you will get an alliance of real hardline right-wingers in the Conservative Party who have been very clear they want to enter into an alliance with UKIP, UKIP have said that as well."

And this threat was underlined by Business Secretary Vince Cable who insisted Mr Cameron would need the Lib Dems for "stability" and "competence".

The alternative was to rely on the support of UKIP and up to 40 of his own Tory backbenchers "who hate his guts", he said.

Mr Cable added he had no personal preference over whether his party governed with the Conservatives or Labour, in the event of another hung parliament, but insisted voters wanted "moderation and stability".