Even if the government were able to turn out their entire caucus, they would still be short of a majority, as Simfan is Speaker and thus has no vote (per convention). I thought at the time that it was an... interesting strategy for the government to throw away their tenth vote for a largely ceremonial office, seeing as this would weaken their ability to pass legislation.
Government MPs 9 (9 PC) + Speaker*
Opposition MPs 11 (5 LS, 5 PS, 1 PT)
*Per convention, does not vote
It would appear that the government was counting on the Soc Libs to 'be reasonable' and support the government, but if this were so, why were the Soc Libs not invited to continue the coalition government? So far, it seems that the LS are at best a "swing party," as they abstained on the Confidence vote but voted against the government's Tax Bill (the only piece of legislation proposed since the elections).
I'm likely speaking out of turn here but I think we'd have been delighted if Barnes wished to continue as Speaker, but he didn't so here we are. In any event Simfan is doing a fine job and given the nature of our system and the rarity of free votes it hardly matters. We'd need support from other parties regardless.
