Former Lib Dem Leader Lord Ashdown rejects place in Gordon Brown's Cabinet

12.41.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 21st Jun 2007

Lord Ashdown

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 this morning former leader of the Liberal Democrats Lord (Paddy) Ashdown has revealed that he and others have been offered positions in Gordon Brown's first cabinet.

Both Ming Campbell and Lord Ashdown reiterated that there is no prospect of any Liberal Democrat joining the Brown Government.

On so many issues, the Conservatives and Labour are part of a cosy consensus and Liberal Democrats are the real opposition.

Both the Conservatives and Labour now agree on:

• tax breaks for the richest

• the Iraq War

• council tax

• nuclear power

• student tuition fees

"The need for a strong independent Liberal Democrat party, to challenge the cosy consensus of Labour and Conservatives has never been stronger. We are committed to remain that strong and principled voice of opposition." (Campbell)