Can't argue

David Cameron has announced that he will not take part in televised leaders' debates if the Green party are not included in the debates.  This follows a decision by Ofcom that the Greens do not constitute a major party in the UK political scene.  Ofcom have, however, determined that UKIP do constitute a major party.

The reasoning behind the Ofcom decision seems a little specious to say the least.  They are basing their decision on the fact that The Green party have not shown significant support in previous general elections.  Neither have UKIP really, but apparently their showing in the European elections last year and in local elections was enough to get them major party status.  Come on, Ofcom, if you're going to have rules, at least apply them consistently.

So, Mr Cameron now gets to play Mr Magnanimous, standing up for the rights of smaller parties to be represented.  Now I may be being cynical here, but I seem to recall that Mr Cameron was rather reluctant to appear in televised debates with Alex Salmond during the referendum, citing the fact that he was not the leader of the Better Together/No Thanks campaign as the reason.  Of course, Alex Salmond wasn't the leader of the Yes campaign either, but he was at least willing to debate, national leader to national leader.

Could it be that Mr Cameron doesn't want to do the televised debates, for which he does not have a good reputation, and is using the Ofcom ruling as a 'get out of jail free' card?  I certainly won't be holding my breath for the debates to take place, since puce really isn't a good colour for me.