The business secretary Vince Cable has told undercover reporters, posing as Liberal Democrat supporters, that if “pushed too far” he would “bring the government down”, according to the publication.
According to the Daily Telegraph disclosures, which emerged in a secret recording of a conversation, Cable said that policies are being rushed through by the Conservatives and that ministers should be “putting the breaks” on some proposals, which he feels are in danger of “getting out of control”.
The business secretary also confided that behind the scenes, the coalition government is in a “constant battle” as the two parties disagree over a number of proposals, including: increases in tax, tuition fees and the new immigration cap. Cable has openly voiced concerns about the immigration cap, which he has said would be damaging to British businesses, which rely on the skills of foreign workers.
Cable told the Daily Telegraph: “I’ve been involved in a big battle over immigration caps and I have won that argument. “That was mainly with the Conservative colleagues, but I had some allies like Oliver Letwin [the Tory Cabinet Office minister].”
The business secretary also said that there was a “big argument” over the banks that was party political, with the Liberal Democrats arguing for a “very tough approach” that was opposed by “our Conservative friends”.
However, Cable has insisted that he remained committed to the coalition: “Naturally, I am embarrassed by these comments and I regret them,” he said. “I have no intention of leaving the government. I am proud of what it is achieving and will continue to play my full part in delivering the priorities I and my party believe in, which are enshrined in the coalition agreement.”
The revelations fuel speculation that the business secretary is “going rogue” and will pose a challenge to the authority of David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010