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Corbyn, Lib Dems at odds over 'caretaker' prime minister

By Frank Prenesti

Date: Friday 16 Aug 2019

Corbyn, Lib Dems at odds over 'caretaker' prime minister

(Sharecast News) - UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called on the leaders of opposition parties to appoint him as a caretaker leader to stop a no-deal Brexit.
Corbyn said he would call a vote of no-confidence in Boris Johnson's government as soon as he felt the numbers to win.

However, his plan was immediately rejected by Liberal democrat leader Jo Swinson, drawing anger from Labour ranks.

"We are facing a national crisis. We may need an emergency government to resolve it. But if Jeremy Corbyn truly wants that to succeed, surely even he can see that he cannot lead it," Swinson said on Thursday.

"There is no way he can unite rebel Conservatives and independents to stop Boris Johnson. It's not even certain he could secure all the votes of Labour MPs. This isn't about personalities, this is about having a plan that actually works."

Swinson said "time and time again Jeremy Corbyn has let the Government off the hook on Brexit" and was "demanding the keys to Number 10 as precondition for a vote of no confidence".

Corbyn put forward his proposal in a letter to opposition parties on Wednesday. Labour have consistently refused to contemplate a backbencher from any party to lead an emergency administration should Johnson be toppled.

Swinson suggested a more centrist and senior MP such as Labour Harriet Harman or the Europhile Conservative veteran Ken Clarke as unifying alternatives to Corbyn

The Scottish National Party and Greens called on Swinson to reconsider her position.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said Corbyn's suggestion was "not the only possible option - but given the circumstances, nothing should be ruled out at this stage. Jo Swinson should rethink".

In a video message the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said: "Jo, we need to stop Boris Johnson. We need a people's vote. Please join us in engaging with Corbyn to see if we can find a way forward."

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