Nick Clegg has predicted that there will be another election before Christmas unless the Liberal Democrats are in government.
The deputy prime minister warned that a Labour or Conservative minority administration would collapse unless they offered “sweeteners” to the SNP, Ukip or the DUP.
Mr Clegg was speaking as he embarked on a Land’s End to John O’Groats campaign marathon in a last ditch effort to save Lib Dem seats at tomorrow’s election.
It is understood that Mr Clegg’s battle bus will stop off at under-threat seats in the north on the 1,000 mile journey, including those previously held by his right-hand man Danny Alexander and John Thurso.
The Lib Dems claimed yesterday that their analysis showed a minority Labour government would not be able to pass a Queen’s Speech without conceding full fiscal autonomy for Scotland to the SNP.
It also suggested that a minority Conservative government would have to slash funding for international aid and hold an EU referendum to meet Ukip demands.
Mr Clegg said: “The Liberal Democrats have shown that coalitions can be strong and stable. But instead of creating stability, Labour and the Conservatives will create a shambles.
“If they try to stagger through with a messy and unstable minority government instead of putting the country first then they will risk all the hard work and sacrifices people have made over the last five years.
“The last thing Britain needs is a second election before Christmas. But that is exactly what will happen if Ed Miliband and David Cameron put their own political interest ahead of the national interest.
“The only party that will ensure stability is the Liberal Democrats.”
Despite his party’s poll ratings being stuck on around 8% nationally, Mr Clegg received a boost on the eve of the last phase of his election tour, with a study indicating he will hold his own Sheffield Hallam seat despite a concerted effort to oust him by Labour.
An ICM poll put Mr Clegg on 42%, a seven-point lead over Labour’s Oliver Coppard on 35%, when both candidates were named, with many Tory supporters apparently switching to save the Lib Dem leader.