Cameron demands handover talks
David Cameron has demanded talks with senior civil servants to prepare for a possible change of power.
The Tory leader has written to Gordon Brown requesting his frontbench be allowed to meet with civil servants to set out their priorities in government.
Opposition leaders normally hold talks with senior civil servants ahead of an election to allow the smooth transfer of power in the event of a change of government.
Tony Blair last year authorised such talks to take place from January 1 2009, but with heightened speculation of a poll next month Mr Cameron argues his frontbench should be allowed to set out their plans.
Mr Cameron wrote: “Given that you have allowed members of the Cabinet to speculate openly that an election is to be called imminently, I am asking you today to give the necessary instructions for such meetings to begin immediately.
“I would like this to start tomorrow, before the actual campaign begins, which would be consistent with past precedent.”
Mr Cameron said his government’s immediate priorities include an NHS independence bill, renegotiation of GP contracts, raising the inheritance tax threshold, abolishing stamp duty for first-time buyers and reforming the benefits system to encourage couples.
He continued: “The country will expect the Civil Service to be ready to put in place these real changes from the first day of a new Conservative government. Given the urgency, I would be grateful for a reply by the end of the day.”
The letter marks Mr Cameron’s latest attempt to call Mr Brown’s bluff over the election. In his conference speech yesterday the Tory leader challenged Mr Brown to call an election.
