General election 2015: Nicola Sturgeon accuses Labour of risking another five years of Tory rule over working with her party

The parties are coming to blows over their post-election coalition options

SNP and Labour go head-to-head (AFP/getty)

Nicola Sturgeon has accused Labour of considering letting David Cameron ‘walk back into Downing Street’ above doing a deal with the SNP after the election.

The Scottish first minister made the charge in last night’s opposition leaders debate where the party leaders were asked about their potential coalition options in the event of a hung parliament.

Ed Miliband reiterated his promise not to do go into coalition with the SNP, arguing that he had “fundamental differences” with the party on the subject of Scottish independence.

But Ms Sturgeon hit back: “I don’t know what Ed Miliband is talking about: the question of independence was for the referendum last year – this election is about getting rid of the Tories,” she said.

“Ed, whatever differences you have with me, surely they are as nothing to the differences both of us have with the Tories? This is about how we deliver better politics not just in Scotland but right across the UK.”

She concluded: “Tell me tonight: is it the case that you would rather see David Cameron go back into Downing Street than work with the SNP? Surely that cannot be your position, Ed.”

Mr Miliband said only he could guarantee getting rid of the Conservatives after the election: “The truth is you want to gamble on getting rid of a Tory government – I can guarantee that you’ll get rid of a Tory government if you vote Labour in this election,” he argued.

Ms Sturgeon noted that she would “never, ever do a deal with the Tories”.

The row comes amid some confusion about which parties would work with each other in the likely event no single party ends up with a majority after votes are counted.

Labour has ruled out a formal coalition with the SNP but has left its options open in terms of an informal supply and confidence deal.

Such an arrangement would see the SNP support Labour on a vote-by-vote basis, propping up a minority government that required the support of other parties to pass legislation.

The candidates thank one another after the debate (AP)

The nationalists would get no ministers under such an arrangement and would not be formally part of the government.

The Liberal Democrats say they would be happy to do a deal with either party and that their main priority is promoting the policies on the front page of their manifesto – chiefly increasing the income tax allowance.

Neither Labour of the Conservatives have gone into detail about to what extent they would work with Nick Clegg’s party, though senior Labour figures had previously suggested a change in leadership might be in order.

David Cameron today warned that Mr Miliband had not ruled out a deal with the SNP and said such an event would lead to a “calamity”.

Last night’s debate was watched by some 8.8m people – around 15% of the population.

David Cameron refused to attend the debate; the Liberal Democrats say Nick Clegg was prevented from attended by the Conservatives.

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