David Cameron refuses to say how many more seats he would need that Ed Miliband to hand him legitimacy

Prime Minister David Cameron has a cup of tea this morning in Brecon, Wales

David Cameron was interviewed on Today this morning. It was a lively exchange including Europe and coalitions. Crucially he hinted that he would be happy to form another coaltion with the Lib Dems saying his priority is “a strong and stable government”, as it was after 2010.

He said: “All I would say is that people know with me that in 2010 we didn’t win a majority, and I put the country first. I formed the first coalition government for 70 years because I wanted to provide strong and stable government for Britain, and I will always put the country first and always do what I can to provide that strong and stable government.”

It came after comments from Gus O’Donnell, the former Cabinet Secretary – Britain’s most senior civil servant – who played a key role in brokering the last coaltion deal between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

His key point is that there is no official rule that the party with the most seats or votes gets first crack at trying to command a majority. Which ever party who is able to command a majority in the Commons can do it.