The Cabinet Office is at the centre of government, making government work better. This website brings together information from units in the Department.
The General Election of May 2010 has resulted in no party achieving a majority of MPs. This is commonly referred to as a hung parliament.
The established constitutional procedures for forming a government in the event of a hung parliament were published in February 2010.
The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Secretary to offer Civil Service support to political parties involved in talks on forming a government.
Any talks that take place are part of the political process, for which the parties are responsible. It is for the parties to decide who is best placed to command the confidence of the House of Commons and form the Government.
The Civil Service's role is to assist the parties who wish to take up the offer by giving advice on constitutional issues, providing factual information about policy proposals, and giving logistical support to the negotiations. Support would not include recommendations about particular options or negotiating positions.
