It seems very unlikely that the coalition parties will have an electoral pact/coupon at the next general election, so Vince Cable’s comments on the BBC last night confirm that (if confirmation was needed).

He said

“Everybody involved knows that before the next general election – the two parties will have to establish their own separate platforms and identity but how that disengagement takes place, over what time period is very much an issue for the future, certainly not something we’re talking about at the moment.”

He added that “of course” there would have to be a disengagement “because we will be competing as a separate party with a separate manifesto and I am sure the Tories think exactly the same way”

So how do they untangle themselves before the election?

Do they move to a supply and confidence approach from late 2014, or something else?

Is there a solution that would benefit and suit both coalition parties?

TSE

Note: Mike Smithson is on holiday until June 7th.