The Liberal Democrat leader, Paddy Ashdown, is to give his party's MPs and activists the chance to veto any offers of ministerial posts for himself or his senior colleagues in the Labour government.

The possibility that Tony Blair, the Prime Minister, might invite Liberal Democrats to join his Cabinet before the next election is thought conceivable by political commentators.

Mr Ashdown's move is part of his new strategy governing the Liberal Democrats' relations with Labour and has been approved privately by the party's federal executive.

Under the proposals, voting by Liberal Democrat MPs, and a consultation conference with party members must take place before any Liberal Democrat could serve as a minister under Tony Blair.

The measures are described by senior Lib Dems as a double lock designed to reassure those who are worried their party has grown too close to Labour.

Mr Ashdown will be presenting the plans to the party's spring conference in Southport where the issue will be debated.

Paddy Ashdown, will continue to spell out his party's future strategy and relationship with the government in a national tour beginning next week. He is to promise to continue the policy of constructive opposition.

Tony Blair's government has a House of Commons majority of 179.
 

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