Civil Service support to coalition negotiations

The Draft Cabinet Manual Chapter on Elections and Government Formation that the Cabinet Secretary presented to the Justice Committee on 23 February 2010 stated that it was "open to the Prime Minister to ask the Cabinet Secretary to support the Government's discussion with Opposition or minority parties on the formation of a government. If Opposition parties request similar support for their discussions with each other or with the Government, this can be provided by the Cabinet Office with the authorisation of the Prime Minister."