Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has dismissed reports which suggested prime minister in-waiting Gordon Brown may select one or two senior Lib Dems in his cabinet.

The chancellor, who becomes Labour leader and prime minister on June 27th, will name his new cabinet this time next week.

According to the Guardian, a source said that although no discussions about a coalition government had been entered into, there had been talks held in private about Lib Dem MPs being named in Mr Brown's first cabinet.

The Labour party refused to comment on the speculation, which began when Mr Brown discussed a future cabinet of many talents, leading to some suggestions about cross-party selections.

But Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies has dismissed the suggestion saying there is "no prospect of any Liberal Democrat joining the government".

Mr Brown has made it clear in various briefings during the Labour deputy leadership hustings that he seeks a cross-party initiative on constitutional reform.

Reports said a Lib Dem as part of the cabinet could have been involved for this specific initiative.

Sir Menzies and Mr Brown are close neighbours in Fife and the Lib Dem leader has refused to criticise the future Labour leader's character in contrast to the Conservatives' policy of attacking Mr Brown early on.

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