Is Ashdown right? Today’s moves could be a “coalition breaker”?
How much notice should we take of the ex-leader?
Reproduced above is the Tweet from Sky’s John Craig about his conversation with Paddy Ashdown.
My main comment is that Ashdown’s backing for Nick Clegg was absolutely central to the coalition deal last May and his ongoing support has played a big part in keeping the Lib Dems on side.
Paddy is a hugely influential figure within the party and if he stops supporting the coalition then it is only a matter of time before the Lib Dems pulls out.
That clearly could lead to a general election in which the party would be hammered. There are those yellows who are now saying “sobeit”.
This could be a crucial night.