LIBERAL Democrats in Hertfordshire have reacted positively to the new coalition Government between their party and the Conservatives.

Paul Zukowskyj, the Lib Dems Welwyn Hatfield parliamentary candidate in Thursday’s General Election, said he was pleased his party had finally reached a deal with the Tories, and hoped that the coalition would “change politics for the better”.

Last night (Tuesday), David Cameron became the country’s new Prime Minister, with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg the new deputy PM, after Gordon Brown had earlier announced his resignation from Number 10.

But the new Con-Lib partnership could cause problems among some Lib Dem supporters, many of whom voted for the party in an attempt to stop Cameron getting to Downing Street.

But today, Mr Zukowskyj said he was “optimistic” that the merger between the two parties could work – and that even sceptical Lib Dems were starting to warm to the idea.

“When initial talks began, a lot of people rang me up to say they really didn’t like it,” Mr Zukowskyj said.

“But most of our members understand that to have any influence, we have to be in a coalition with somebody.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve gone into a coalition, and I’m hopeful, given all the information that’s come out so far, that we’re going to be working effectively with the Conservatives to demonstrate that coalition Government can work at a national level.

“We’ve maybe really changed how politics is done in the UK – for the better.”

Welwyn Hatfield Lib Dem group leader Tony Skottowe said he was “pleased, excited and nervous” about the deal.

“I’m very impressed with the way the negotiating teams have managed to come to an agreement,” Mr Skottowe said.

“And the leaders (Cameron and Clegg) seem to have an understanding and trust, which is absolutely crucial. If that breaks down the whole thing falls apart.”

And Chris White, the Lib Dem leader in Hertfordshire County Council, said: “This is an opportunity to show that political parties can work together provided they have a transparently agreed programme based on principles rather than personalities.”