Kingmaker Clegg weighs up rivals’ offers to form government

Throughout the general election campaign, Nick Clegg insisted he would not be the kingmaker – the voters would. Well, the voters have passed the buck back to him.

The Liberal Democrat leader faces an agonising 24 hours as he decides whether to pave the way for David Cameron to lead a minority government or enable Gordon Brown to maintain his “squatter’s rights” to stay on in No 10 Downing Street.

Clegg’s personal disappointment at seeing the “Cleggmania” bubble blow up in his face, with the Lib Dems losing rather than gaining seats, may be offset by the powerful role he will now play in determining who will lead the country.