The political world after the referendum
21st Apr 2011
"The 5th May is looming and the Yes and No to AV campaigns are well under way. But whatever the outcome, the days after the referendum will be the hardest test yet for the Coalition Government. Disgruntled backbenchers and grass-root supports will have to be appeased.
The rumours are rife. In Downing Street they apparently are talking about the tsunami about to hit them. Government advisers are occupied with creating two agendas for the week after the referendum; one filled with concessions to Lib Dem backbenchers if they lose and one packed with conservative values if AV is passed.
If AV isn’t passed Lib Dems could be appeased by a PR election system for the Lords, however if it is, Downing Street would face the fury of the right-wingers who are already mutinously muttering that Cameron is a loser.
With the current parliament proving more fractious and backbenchers increasingly vocal with their concerns about the direction of the coalition, understanding the motivation and particular interests of individual MPs will continue to be vitally important for communications professionals."
Alexandra Arikoglu - Senior Account Executive