General Election 2010: Gordon Brown invites Nick Clegg in for coalition talks

Published on 07/05/2010 15:08

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown made a direct overture to Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today, offering immediate legislation on a referendum on electoral reform in return for a deal which could keep him in Downing Street.

In a statement outside the door of Number 10, Mr Brown said he respected Mr Clegg's decision to talk first to Conservative leader David Cameron on a possible coalition, but stressed that Labour and the Lib Dems share "common ground" not only on voting reform but also on the economy.

The PM made clear he does not expect a swift conclusion to the uncertainty surrounding the result of yesterday's election, stating that negotiations between the parties could be "prolonged".

And in a sign that Labour remains very much in power for the time being, he revealed that Chancellor Alistair Darling will take part in conference call talks today with fellow G7 finance ministers on the crisis in the euro area.

Mr Brown said he was ready to see any of the other party leaders about the way forward.