As I understand it, Brown is PM until a working coalition is formed that gives enough MPs to someone else to be PM. So if the Lib Dems and Tories did form a coalition, either Cameron or Clegg would become PM in place of Brown, depending on which one is the dominant party. I could be wrong though, as from what I've seen most journalists seem a little hazy on it so I could have got the wrong end of the stick but it is basically to make sure there isn't a prolonged period with no Prime Minister.



It could be a good tactical move - it serves as a good way to tell the public that despite what the Tories say, voting Lib Dem won't automatically mean Brown gets to be PM. It is a good way to show the Lib Dems are an independent party and will make choices on what they think is best for the nation... it also is a good position to agree a coalition with New Labour - it makes it clear that New Labour need to offer an attractive deala nd not just assume he Lib Dems will agree a coalition because they've got not other choices.