Britain in limbo as talks continue
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However, the uncertainty has prompted many papers to raise their concern if a resolution is not found soon.
The Daily Mirror warned that the nation could be plunged into chaos if the Conservatives went it alone and formed a minority Government. And the Independent inferred that the talks had already stalled on the subject of electoral reform. Most papers were more critical of Gordon Brown who they accused of clinging to power. The Sun claimed Gordon Brown was trying to hijack a possible Tory/Lib Dem deal sparking fears of a City meltdown. Monday's Daily Mail focused on Gordon Brown's clandestine meeting with Nick Clegg, describing it as the PM's "last-ditch attempt to cling to power".
The Telegraph, a staunch supporter of the Conservatives, also led with the negotiations and ran with the headline "A Nation in Limbo". The Financial Times and the Daily Express said that a historic deal was close. The Financial Times saying that while David Cameron was edging closer to No.10, a quick resolution to talks between the parties was key for the economy.
Talks are set to resume this morning, though it is unclear if a deal will be reached by the end of today. Britain's Prime Minister remains to next possible contenders if the discussions fail. Earlier he thanked his party for their hard work leading up to the election and spoke of the importance to bring the uncertainty to an end.
"The past few days have seen us enter a political landscape not considered possible a few short weeks ago - with the outcome of the election leading to no single party able to form a majority government," he wrote in an email to party supporters. "My duty as prime minister has been to seek to resolve this situation."
But already several Labour backbenchers have called for Brown to step down. MP George Howarth, a minister in the Blair government, said the only people capable of forming any kind of government were the Conservative Party, and that Labour should become a "constructive" opposition.
Others were more scathing of the other parties. Labour party treasurer Jack Dromney said the "big choice" was for Clegg to decide whether to be a progressive party or "get into bed with the heirs of Mrs Thatcher". But Dromney said Labour were open to discussion. "If they wish to talk to us, we're ready to talk to them," Dromney said, a sentiment echoed by Chancellor of the Exchequer Darling.
While the Conservative secured 306 seats, Labour finished with 258 MPs, down 91, the LibDems 57, down five, and other parties 28. If Labour and the Lib Dems joined forces, they would still not be the largest grouping. With the support of the Northern Irish SDLP, one Alliance MP, and nationalists from Scotland and Wales they would reach 330, rising to 338 if the DUP, the independent unionist and the new Green MP joined them.
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