Leading Tory and Lib Dem debate the Coalition at Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick hosted a well-attended breakfast seminar this morning on ‘How to engage the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government ‘. Led by Jon McLeod, Weber Shandwick’s UK Chairman of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, guest speakers included: Julia Goldsworthy, former Liberal Democrat MP for Falmouth and Camborne; Charles Walker, Conservative MP for Broxbourne; and Peter Riddell, Assistant Editor of the Times and Chairman of the Hansard Society.

In his opening remarks, Charles Walker pointed out the danger of the Coalition talking too much about the deficit and cuts. He said that it needed to start focusing on the good things, such as fleshing out the delivery of public services with the third sector.  In terms of engagement with the coalition, Walker said that Secretaries of State are in now in the midst of ‘deep cleansing’ their departments to achieve the necessary cuts and that therefore contact should be made with the minister directly responsible for any organisation’s interests.  Lastly, he said that the new array of talented and often independent-minded MPs would put the Coalition under pressure and potential threats to stability could come from the AV referendum and proposed boundary changes.

Julia Goldsworthy declared that there was a united front between the Lib Dems and Conservatives throughout all levels and not just between Cameron and Clegg. Calling the Capital Gains Tax issue a ‘red herring’, she said that the Coalition‘s strength would be proven by how it dealt with these type of disagreements.  She was regretful about the loss of David Laws but said that it showed the Lib Dems have talent. According to the former shadow Treasury spokesperson, the new Lib Dem Deputy Leader would be important for carving out an identity for the Party.

Peter Riddell talked about the networking challenges for the Coalition, pointing in particular to the important role that Special Advisers will play in keeping lines of communication open between the two Parties. His view was that the Coalition would last until at least the AV referendum.

During a lively Q&A session, Julia Goldsworthy refuted suggestions that Vince Cable might be the fragile element in the Coalition. Similarly, Charles Walker said that the Right of the Conservative Party tend to be more ‘onside’ than the Left. In departments where there aren’t any Lib Dem MPs, such as DEFRA and DCMS, Julia Goldsworthy said that Cabinet Office coordination on policy would be crucial. Lib Dem Shadow Lib Dem ministers is an idea being considered by Simon Hughes.