article_snippet: But Sir Jeremy, insisted that it was the right thing to do to ensure the wheels of government kept turning.
article_snippet: Sir Jeremy told the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee: 'The reality is what Gordon Brown did last time I think was generally applauded, not in every single quarter. '
article_snippet: But the idea that you would stay in Downing Street until it was pretty clear who would be better placed than you to form another government, that's what Gordon Brown did, that's what happened and we ended up with a very smooth transition. '
article_snippet: I would certainly urge a future prime minister in the same position to adopt a similar approach.'
article_snippet: Sir Jeremy added: 'I think it would be very unfair, particularly if it took slightly longer next time than just the five days it took last time, it would be very unfair if the incumbent prime minister was criticised for staying around in Downing Street when the incumbent prime minister was simply doing what most people would regard as the expectation placed upon the incumbent prime minister.'
article_snippet: Sir Jeremy told the committee Sir Jeremy has talked to David Cameron about the role of the civil service during any coalition negotiations after May 7. '
article_snippet: I have discussed it with the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister is agreed in principle that the civil service should play the same role in 2015, if the civil service is needed, as was played in 2010
article_snippet: but we haven't yet got into any detail,' the Prime Minister said.
highlights_snippet: Top civil servant Sir Jeremy Heywood reveals post-election planning .
  