article_snippet.sent: Other experts also warned that a 'messy and unstable' left-wing alliance was likely to be in power even if the Conservatives won more seats or a greater share of the vote.
article_snippet.sent: Professor Paul Whiteley of Essex University predicted a repeat of the disastrous Left-wing Lib-Lib pact of the 1970s.
article_snippet.sent: the disastrous Left-wing Lib-Lib pact of the 1970s led to the rise of Margaret Thatcher and the Tories held on to power for another 18 years.
article_snippet.sent: Experts said the likeliest outcome at the general election would be the Conservatives winning the most votes, but a left-wing alliance forming to keep them out of power.
article_snippet.sent: Oxford academic Stephen Fisher said there was a high chance Labour would form either a minority government or coalition with the help of the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Greens or other minor parties.
article_snippet.sent: There was 'only a 42 per cent chance of a Conservative-led government, even though there is a two-thirds chance of the Tories being the largest party, on votes or seats.'
article_snippet.sent: Oxford academic Stephen Fisher added: 'The single most likely outcome is…a seriously hung parliament with the Conservatives as clearly the largest party but a majority on the left, including the SNP and Liberal Democrats.'
article_snippet.sent: This would be a 'messy and unstable situation' and This was 'not clear that this diverse group of parties would be able to sustain a stable government'.
article_snippet.sent: the Conservatives would probably turn to the DUP first
article_snippet.sent: and then the Lib Dems to try and form a government but
article_snippet.sent: the Lib Dems were still likely to be short of a majority, he added.
highlights_snippet.sent: Professor Paul Whiteley of Essex University predicts left wing coalition .
  