New words but same sentiments

A new word, "Libosuction" appears have entered the political lexicon. This describes the ability of Liberal Democrats to extract a series of concessions out of their Conservative coalition partners.

On the face of it, securing agreement on electoral reform, an elected upper house and a scrapping of ID cards forms an impressive list of initial achievements by a feisty junior partner eager to make its mark in government. But, as Andrew Rawnsley in the Guardian points out, a possible reason for tory acquiescence is that the moves are comparatively inexpensive from a treasury perspective and might even produce a few long-term savings. It's a small price for indulging a few Lib Dem foibles - which is what Conservative MPs will be saying to themselves and earnestly repeating in their constituencies this weekend.

Rawnsley clearly has issues with the coalition which he describes as a "synthetic lifeform" rather than the surgical grafting process perceived by other political commentators who eagerly await the first signs of tissue rejection. Nonetheless, his insightful observations on similarities between Clegg and Cameron do raise some interesting possibilities for those equipped with photo-morphing software

But a greater insight into the resilience of the Tory-Lib Dem relationship may come with challenges by concerned police chiefs who see proposals to replace police authorities with directly elected commissioners as a backward step. Some go as far to say that plans 'driven by dogma' will make Britain's streets less safe.

The unspoken word within tory circles, who are markedly less enthusiastic about this particular Lib Dem inspired reform, is that Home Secretary Teresa May will allow the proposal to wither on the parliamentary drafting vine. According to some commentators, it is likely to be the first of many ideas in the 36 page joint manifesto which eventually meet such a fate and it will be illuminating to see how many Lib Dem ministers eventually put their principles before their newly assumed trappings of power.