Backbench Tories irked by Lib Dem threats over Lords reform
By Matthew Barrett
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Since the interview with a recently-departed senior Nick Clegg aide, Richard Reeves, in this morning's newspapers, which intimated there would be consequences for the Government's boundary review if backbench Tories vote against stopping debate on Lords reform, a number of Tory MPs have appeared in the media to express their thoughts - from frustration to amusement - at the Lib Dems' threats.
Firstly, Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) on BBC Five Live, expressed his disappointment that the vote next week will be whipped:
"The idea that a fundamental and irreversible constitutional change should be pushed through with the usual whipping and guillotining that happens on more routine bills is just unthinkable. Coalition policy was to seek a consensus on House of Lords reform and I think it’s pretty clear to anyone watching this debate that they failed to achieve a consensus."
Secondly, Peter Bone (Wellingborough), appearing on the Daily Politics show, was asked how he felt being threatened by the Lib Dems. He replied:
"Quaking in my boots. ... They just can’t be trusted. I mean, the deal was they got this wretched AV vote in return for the boundary review. They all voted for that bill, I actually voted against the bill, and now because they didn’t get what they wanted in the AV they’re now saying ‘well it’s all about House of Lords reform.’ ... House of Lords reforms were bringing forward proposals, seeking agreement, but nothing about legislation. The Prime Minister said it was a third term priority. A consensus is a consensus, and we’re still seeking it. We haven’t quite made it yet."
"The boundary changes, if you read the Coalition Agreement, were directly linked to the alternative vote referendum, there is a very, very direct and clear link between those two policies, which we’ve delivered on, we’ve delivered the AV referendum and the boundary changes were very clearly linked to that. So, Nick Clegg by the way has said very, very clearly unambiguously that the boundary changes are not linked to the Lords reform issue at all."
Tweeting Tory MPs were even more condemnatory:
Wondering why @RichardvReeves is calling for 360 new elected national politicians--and no reduction in number of MPs? #nottheanswer
— Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) July 6, 2012
Lib Dems would be turkeys to vote for boundary review and they know it. Facing serious voter reprisal now, extinction if it goes through.
— Nadine Dorries MP (@NadineDorriesMP) July 6, 2012
So LD suggest'we will block the redrawing of seats to make them proportional & fair if you don't do what we want'. Odd type of politics that
— Nick de Bois MP (@nickdebois) July 6, 2012
For the record, I can't get my juices flowing over Lord's reform. One thing, however, might make me rebel - Lib Dem blackmail.
— Chris Heaton-Harris (@chhcalling) July 6, 2012
LibDems have abandoned any merits of the case for so-called Lords reform in favour of hold on power. The LT national interest shd come 1st.
— Bernard Jenkin MP (@bernardjenkin) July 6, 2012
If Lib Dems veto boundary changes they'll be out of govt probably for ever. Voters: You voted for tuition fees but walked over that?
— Stewart Jackson (@SJacksonMP) July 6, 2012
For avoidance of doubt: If Lib Dems vote down boundaries, then will revert to minority Con govt & they're back to obscurity 4 another 90 yrs
— Stewart Jackson (@SJacksonMP) July 6, 2012
Lords reform can't be traded for political advantage. Such fundamental change in how Britain is governed not part of grubby political deal.
— Glyn Davies (@GlynDaviesMP) July 6, 2012
Threats & bully boy tactics won't help the Lib Dems get Lords reform through. UK's constitutional future worth more than a few extra seats.
— Andrew Griffiths MP (@agriffithsmp) July 6, 2012
LD attempts at political blackmail will not persuade me to change view on #LordsReform
— David Nuttall MP (@DavidNuttallMP) July 6, 2012
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