"We've had to bring in a karaoke machine at Lib Dem HQ to lift spirits"

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Until just nine days ago, he was Britain's Deputy Prime Minister. Now, he's leading his Party from the Opposition benches.

In this exclusive interview with the Independent, thechattyshow talks about the vote of no confidence, where the Lib Dems go from here, and gives a hint about his own political future.

Me: How disappointed are you to no longer be in government?

Chatty: In one word? Very. It's a massive shame that this Government had to end the way it did, as I was proud of the work that was going on. We'll still be working tirelessly from the Opposition benches to improve the life of people around this country, but our ability to enact meaningful change has been hampered.

Me: How far do you intend to continue co-operating with your former colleagues in the government?

Chatty: We'll still be working quite closely. I've already had conversations with Yukub and tory leader about legislation we can work together on.

Me: You mentioned earlier you were very disappointed to no longer be in Government. Is that a mood shared by your Party at large?

Chatty: For sure. We've had to bring in a karaoke machine at Lib Dem HQ to lift spirits.

Me: Would you say the vote of no confidence has damaged relations between your Party and the Labour Party, and if so, how far?

Chatty: Of course they've damaged relationships. The idea that we would be willing to immediately form Gov with Labour after they vonc'd us was insulting, and I've made it clear multiple times that our relations have been hurt because of it. We can definitely improve them, for example I appreciate Labour's response to /u/Gren_Gnat's moronic comments, but fixing them on the whole will be a challenge at times.

Me: What of the Libertarians? They're the ones who pushed the motion in the first place, but you nearly ended up in Official Opposition with them.

Chatty: Key word being nearly. In the end we didn't, I'm sure the VoNC was a reason in that. Just like jgm, I appriciate Fried's efforts in mending relations.

Me: But you still negotiated with LPUK while outright refusing to do so with Labour, when one could argue that the LPUK pushed the vonc because they were unhappy that the Conservatives picked your Party over them. What was different about the LPUK's offer of negotiation from Labour's?

Chatty: We had assumed that the Labour position was to support the VoNC, then get us + possibly the DRF or TPM involved in some coalition, and then form a new Gov. Right from the start the LPUK deal was about a laissez - faire opposition deal. Two very different things!

Me: Going forward, what lies ahead for you? Do you intend to lead the Lib Dems into the next election?

Chatty: I intend to stay on for Devolved Elections for sure. After that, who knows?

Jay Winterbourne is a correspondent with the Independent.