Thread by @lewis_goodall

Lib Dem position (as just said by Swinson): "We must stop Brexit."

Of course, a Lib Dem majoirty govt is the preference.

But given that is highly unlikely, it is an odd position to deny yourself the option of supporting a govt which provides the only path to do that.

LDs are saying that both Johnson and Corbyn are Brexiters (a position articulated by Umunna yesterday).

Except one is quite literally offering a referendum to stop Brexit. And the other...well, isn't.

The LDs spent many years arguing that sometimes, in the national interest, you have to work with people you don't like or much approve of.

Given from their rhetoric I assume they believe Brexit is even more important than austerity, this seems a peculiar volte face.

Talking to LD sources in the last few days, I'm struck at how widespread the belief is that they can force Corbyn's resignation after a general election. Given 240 Labour MPs couldn't do it, I think it's a pretty heroic assumption to think 20-40 Lib Dems will.

Not to mention goodness knows how the practicalities of that would actually work in terms of timing, assembling a govt, electing a new Labour leader etc.

There is a clear path for the LDs to ahcieve remain. It's not going to come from a LD maj. It probably involves being smart about its relationship with Labour. LDs need Lab to signal to its voters it's ok to vote for the LDs again tactically to unseat Tories.

Remain is a long shot. It will only come by the remain bloc in parliament being bigger than the leave bloc, not by remain bits of the bloc eating other remain bits. The LDs have had a hell of a year. But hubris could prove the undoing of what they say matters more than anything.