David Cameron opened talks with Nick Clegg today about a possible power sharing deal after making a “big, open and comprehensive offer” to the Lib Dem leader in the wake of Britain’s first hung parliament since 1974.
After the closest election race for a generation the Conservatives were left with 307 seats, a net gain of 97 but still 19 short of a majority.
Gordon Brown, who returned to Downing Street at 7am, said that he wanted to try to form a government in the national interest with the Lib Dems and other parties.
Shortly after Mr Cameron’s public appeal for partnership, a Liberal Democrat spokesman confirmed that the two leaders had spoken on the telephone and agreed to “explore further plans” for economic and political reform.
Full story: David Cameron opens bidding for Lib Dem support – The Times