Rawnsley rounds on Gordon

                                                                                                                                                                      

Andrew Rawnsley's expose of the inner workings of Downing Street shall, I suspect, come as a shock to some. 


There have, for some time, been questions of the Prime Minister's suitability in office. Andrew Marr famously asked if he was popping pills to survive the stress of being PM. Gordon flatly denied this.

 He has done the same with these latest set of accusations.

My favourite, being serialised in the new look Observer, notes how the PM's official car white leather seats are no longer white - stabbed in frustration with a black Biro. Other stories include an ability to hurl Nokias (and fax machines) at unsatisfactory individuals, and of course, diving across the cabinet office table to grab a civil servant by the scruff of their neck.

Rawnsley is tonight standing by his comments: "I haven't become a serious political journalist by making up stories" he told Sky News.

A closer reading of Mandelson's Sunday AM performance as well doesn't flatly deny all the allegations.

+++ The Sun drops Labour +++

The Sun has officially, according to Sky's Adam Bolton, decided to drop its support for Labour after 12 years.

The paper will now champion calls for David Cameron to become PM, famously mustering that support of, 'it's the Sun that won it'.

Update: Tomorrow's headline of 'Labour's Lost It' is surely bound to hurt, specially after that fightback speech...

Gordon giveth and Gordon taketh

Billed as the speech of his career... The wolves must now be well and truly circling.

So, it's your big speech at the party's conference. You want to make a good impression, not only to the flag waving (un)faithful but to those crucial floating voters. Voters who have had their confidence shaken by what you've called the 'global economic crisis', the 'collapse of faith in politics' and the 'failure to connect' which has seemingly resulted in massive swings to the BNP in parts of the UK*.

*Notably the North-West from where I write this entry.

So, what do you do?

Well, in Gordon's case (perhaps typically of his premiership) you excite to begin with and then come crashing down on your hopes within a few sentences.

You are following, right?

Let me explain a little more. As a 'floating voter' myself some of today's speech was, I shall admit, interesting. Plans to finally drop the ID cards scheme notably got my attention as did pledges to hold a referendum on voting reform and to fund international aid.

Some, incidentally, Tory policies.

Never mind, because as we've been repeatedly told the Tories are harsh, evil bastards and Labour are the Andrex puppy of the political world.

Well, that was until this particular clanger came out of the Prime Minister's mouth. 'State housing for under-age mothers'.

It's already been called the 'Gulags for slags' scheme by some and perhaps even more worryingly it broadly seems to have been a BNP policy for quite some time. I wonder if this extract from the BNP will even make its way into the draft bill,

"The homes should not be ‘institution’ like, but at the same time there will be rules which must be adhered to; such as a curfew of approx 9pm, a dress code which states skirts must come to at least the knees & no cleavage to be on show".

Doubtful I know, but as Lancaster Unite Against Fascism have shown, it does have an awful lot of similarities. Doug Alexander has been called the manifesto man - I shall like to see him squirm his way into making this sound attractive.

Because, to me, it seems abhorrent that we should in the 21st century be seriously entertaining the idea that 'fallen women' still exist and should be 'handled' in such a manner as to create a change in their behaviour by re-education and effectively punishment and social isolation.

Perhaps I'm wrong, as the Prime Minister himself stole from Cameron's original quote, and the situation of children looking after children needs to end - but in this way? No, on this I believe Gordon has got it wrong.

Cuts away!

A few have already picked up on this but I thought I'd give it my own go....

Brown's speech to the TUC

'It was like listening to the shipping forecast'. That was my favourite take on this afternoon's address by the Prime Minister to the Trade Union's Congress in Liverpool.

Listening to Radio Five Live this afternoon and Brown announce today an extra x amount of places for apprenticeships, x amount of jobs being saved (despite the Chancellor apparently warning him not to do for fear it could not be substantiated) and x amount of 'places for the future' really did read like a Soviet tractor production list. Tired and, frankly, unbelievable.

So it seems the ticket from all sides of the political spectrum is now that 'cuts' are coming. Another favourite from today's congress was a rather excitable reporter shouting 'Brown's said the C word'. Make of that what you will.

Lord Mandelson's speech earlier this week cleared the decks for Gordon's 'repositioning' today. It is not a historic movement but a neccesary re-evaluation of economic policy. Effectively the issue has moved from the 'Labour investment vs. Tory cuts line' to one of 'Mad Tory cuts vs. Sympathetic Labour cuts'. There is some merit in this argument, as several union leaders will testify.

But again Cameron seems to have gained the high ground, ring fencing NHS spending - anyone remember his N. H. Yes. speech? - which seems to have left Team Brown relatively on the back foot. Already Shadow Chancellor (up past his bedtime) George Osbourne has claimed 'victory'. Indeed, it is a simple policy which resonates well with the general public. Daniel Hannan excluded.

I suspect in the days and weeks to come pressure will now arise on the issue of where Brown's cuts are going to be; but crucially the issue of how the Tories pledging to cut 'dark, deeper and faster' (Daft Punk style) will also arose intense interest - just how do they propose to do it? That, I suspect, will be a harded question for the opposition and one which won't be 'won' as convincingly.

Testing times at the TUC

A trip down memory lane for this post.

The Trade Union's Congress meets this week in Liverpool. It hasn't visited the city since 1906, despite the city being the epicentre for union movements during the 80s and early 90s. Indeed, Liverpool has proved a fascinating example with respect to Trade Unions; playing an active role in the most militant of unions as well as demonstrating a way to restrain union militancy.

We learn today, by the likes of none less than the TUC's leader, that the relationship between the Unions and their ultimate political masters, the Labour Party, is wearing thin.

Allow me to be clear, ignoring those who have elected out of the 'political levy', as is their right, Labour face an increase challenge now from within their own traditional support base as the Unions (which heavily fund the party) look to the question of their members' economic recovery and future prosperity.

It was Tony Blair's shining moment, Clause 4, to distance New Labour from the Unions. Indeed, the expectation that the arrival of Gordon Brown would signal a new re-engagement with unions and the party were high. Brown's 100 day plan (which ultimately went dramatically tits up) made a provision for appearing to move closer to the wishes of the Unions. But, let us not forgot, Brown is an architect of the New Labour movement. So, the firing shots from across the bowels of a disenchanted TUC today, should hardly came as a surprise to those in Downing St.

Essentially, Labour faces a difficult act in what is likely to be their dying days of office. Do they accept the predictions of a Tory landslide and move much more closer to the 'easier' position of opposition, allowing them to take a more tradition stance and attack the 'greedy city bankers' and insist of the need for public sector spending. Or, as polling data suggests, do they favour the much more 'Middle England' expectation, pledging to cut public spending and reign in public debt with higher taxes.

This last position, likely to affect TUC members the most, is where Labour faces their pressing challenge: how do you convince people likely to be worse off by your short-term actions that it's ultimately in their interest to vote for you?

So news today that Gordon is heading to Liverpool to 'speak directly' to the TUC and 'show them' is hardly likely to anyone any favours, least of all Gordon.

What a difference a day (or month) doesn't make.

I haven't slept well for about a month now, and that won't be the only confession in this post.

I would like, here and now, to officially announce that I am a wimp. I am scared to death of many things. In fact, such is my horror at certain animals and 'experiences' that I suspect I shall always be a wimp. So, you ask, how much of a wimp are you?

Well, allow me to give you an example. Yesterday (having walked home from the nearest village) I came across a dog. It was in a garden but I secretly suspected that at any minute the beast could easily jump the wall and rip my throat out. Such was my nerves I tried several things.

Firstly, I tried to walk towards the dog: hoping it would back off. It didn't. So, then I tried walking on the other side of the country lane. I quickly realised this lane was far too narrow to afford me adequate time to run to safety if the dog decided to take a running jump. In the end, I waited half an hour - stood at the top of the lane - until the owner called the dog in for its tea.

That is a feeling I suspect a certain Mr Brown may now be feeling.

At no time in his premiership (even during the aborted EU elections coup) has the prospect of Brown being replaced seemed so real and so dangerous. And it seems others know of Brown's fears as well now.

Monday 12th October is the date, reportedly, penciled in for a re-run for Team Brown Out. The worry in Downing St. though (so near an election) is that it won't just be the usual suspects, Team Brown Out, so to speak, now but this time the wider parliamentary party.

Why? Well, there are a number of factors pointing towards this latest set of plots being potentially the most dangerous.

Firstly, unlike Thatcher, the point at which Labour could have installed a new leader and had a good run-up to a general election (with a fresh feel and honeymoon period) is well and truly shot. Brown saw pains to that when he bottled out of calling a general election after he gained office.

Instead, Brown is now an electoral liability. The Guardian and ICM polls of recent months and weeks have hardly made for 'improved' reading in Downing St and crucially with failed plotters.

For Labour to install a new leader some months ago would have, undoutedly, required an almost immediate general election. This I suspect was then Brown's saving song. Now though, with an election impending, this could be his undoing. With an election due anyway, why not swop for someone claw back some of the electoral loss and (hopefully) provide a strong basis for future direction? (I speak, of course, of Labour being the opposition, rather than the governing party in such a prediction).

One telling extract from Kettle's analysis highlights the current predicament for Brown:

"Yet even this minister, no rebel, acknowledges that the mood could still change. Another Brown loyalist says the prime minister's position depends on the public, which, when you think about it, is hardly a ringing endorsement. A third loyalist says that if he thought Brown was dragging the party down, he would tell him he must do the decent thing and quit. One Labour official whom I texted yesterday for his current assessment of "the Gordon question" replied simply: "Aaaaaaarrrrgggghhhh!""

It remains to be seen yet whether those key players from the June reshuffle (and those not so key) will have anything like the gusto to swing the axe this time around, but watch this space....

Cue the jokes.

The kids are off. MPs are off. Gordon is on holiday and Harriet's 'minding the shop'. Mandy's on the roam and Cameron's being a twat, on twitter of course. (Radio 4's The Now Show has an awesome take on twitter-gate, highly recommended!)

Yeap, it's silly season alright.

But before turning to the take on Mandy's surge for power or Harriet Harperson's latest ramblings, I'd like to point towards one of Skipper's excellent posts. Briefly paraphrasing, Oxford's Professor Vernon Bogdanor puts forward the view that, since 1997, Britain has undergone whole-sale constitutional reform effectively turning Britain into a quasi federal state. Personally, I can see a great deal of merit in this argument, something which seems an increasingly important factor ahead of the impending general election.

Anyway, well worth a read and something I'd recommend.

From the serious to the stupid now. Harriet Harman's seized the opportunity of setting up her tent in Downing St. this week. Gordon has popped off and we seemingly face a problem: who's now in charge. Analysing British Politics has a good take on these events. In essence though it seems a question of one thing: who'll lead Labour after Gordon has gone?

We've also seen more ministers take their own line this week. The Ministry of Defence has again faced charges of 'undercutting' service personnel and being driven by the wrong ambitions. This time by one of its own ministers, Eric Joyce. He coined current thinking as 'profoundly unfair', relating to the decision to appeal against compensation awards for injured personnel.

I see no reason why ministers can't take such a line, critiquing policy which obviously proves widely unpopular. Indeed, the decision to keep Joyce should be welcomed in an age of keeping ministers 'on message'. Of course recognizing the need for party unity (and thus ensuring the smooth running of government) I do share a great deal of empathy with ministers effectively forced to defend policies they themselves clearly object to.

And finally, staying with silly season, anyone remember those calls that the days of big bonuses should end? Someone ought to try telling this lot. Oh, wait...

Sorry for the rather short update. WiFi connection is a bit of a problem and am currently surrounded by boxes and bags. Hope you're all having a good summer so far.

She's a dirty girl pulling up her knickers...

The Civil Service is, simply put, the vital organ of government. Without it, it would rather be like being paralyzed from the neck down - able to talk but little else.

With this is mind, Rachel Sylvester's comments in yesterdays Times seem particularly pertinent.

Sylvester notes the increasing paralysis setting in within Brown's government, seeing legislation delayed, or 'reviewed':

"When Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, announced a U-turn on ID cards recently, he was only catching up with his civil servants. The Home Office had already delayed the contract to print the cards until October 2010, well after the election. At the Ministry of Defence, big procurement projects, including Trident, are on hold."

And, rather like the dirty hussy at the office party, there is an increasing tendency for senior civil servants to sneak off for a quick fumble with the shadow minister.

It is a quirk of our constitutional system that such a system should emerge, unlike the American model which allows for a defined period of hand-over the British model literally hits the ground running.

So it should hardly be taken as surprising, with only a year away before an election must be called, that many servants are looking towards their new masters.

Indeed, it does seem as though the service is now somewhat getting into bed with the Conservatives, reflecting the view held by many that Dave's ambitions shall prove fruitful.

However, with the preference towards delaying and reviewing, the current situation can be seen to fuel the Prime Minister's own current political predicament. Little 'decisive action' can be taken and instead the circle is completed again of words but with no actions. Well, certainly not until they've won re-election...

And what are the chances of that happening?

PMQ's Report Card

With the news this week, from the 'chomping at the bit' School's Secretary Ed Balls, that schools are to introduce American style 'school report cards', what better time to introduce a PMQ's version...

Many blogs, such as Lobby Dog, have already been quick to snatch up the Clown Brown clip today, which features the baffling yet comical 0% increase line. (See below)



What exactly is a 0% increase?

Reports suggest the Prime Minister's official spokesman was equally as confused when quizzed by lobby hacks this afternoon.

PMQs quickly returned to the now familiar ground of Mr Cuts vs. Mr Trust. Cameron, for his part, challenged the Prime Minister to justify reported cuts ahead of (and after) the general election. Gordon, for his retaliation, played upon the idea of their being massive cuts under a future Tory government.

Iain Dale's diary has a good Tory slant on today's proceedings (and sadly the proceedings of every PMQs since Christmas...)

Both arguments seemed largely effective with their own backers but, perhaps as Nick Clegg argued, it is somewhat artificial to assume the outside world is caught up in this discussion.

Clegg, with his questions, seemingly attacked the Tories for cuts, attacked Labour for not being honest and then suggested the need for future cuts now. It was, at best, a shaky position.

Perhaps the most interesting question of the day came from a Labour backbencher (I've forgotten his name, it's been a long, hot day!). He proposed a return to Tuesday and Thursday version of PMQs - did away with under Thatcher. Gordon's responce? 'It's a matter for the speaker'. Well, John, if there was ever a move an' all...

Johnson announces ID Card u-turn.

Chris Huhne, Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman, summed it up quite nicely,

"This is another nail in the coffin for the government's illiberal ID cards policy"

So, it looks as though ID cards are slowly being shown the door, asked to sit down and slowly forgotten about.

Make no mistake, removing the compulsory element of these cards signals the death nail for ID cards, with continuous polls revealing their unpopularity - particularly when the cost of the proposal, estimated to be near £100, was factored in.

However, the announcement today is an interesting one for several reasons. Leaving aside the obvious issue of appearing 'tough on terror', Alan Johnson appears to have made a distinctive move towards, pardon the pun, burying the hatchet that the Home Office is a graveyard.

When Johnson was shuffled across in the recent botched reshuffle considered opinion held the view that it was an attempt to 'neutralise' the former Postie. Reports however suggest the u-turn was not at the behest of the Prime Minister, rather a clear and vocal reminder that Mr Johnson remains very much aware for his own political career.

But, like so much of the government's current strategy, what remains crucial is where Mr Mandelson's hands lie.

Observer: Blair pushed for secret inquiry

The Observer this morning reports that former PM Tony Blair pushed for the much anticipated Iraq War inquiry to be held in private.

The paper alleges that Blair communicated through Sir Gus O Donnell, imploring Brown to keep the inquiry private, something Brown duly ceded to.

If the story is correct it demonstrates two aspects.

Firstly, Brown is now too weak. He fears the Blairite element and worries about angering the 'loyal', so to speak.

Secondly, and this is perhaps more telling, it suggests that Blair feels a degree of nerves not only for himself but for the people who surrounded him during the conflict. Remember, our current Justice, Foreign, Home, Defense and numerous other secretaries were all part of the Blair cabinet. As was our current Prime Minister.

Now why would he be so nervous for their futures?

Redacting this week

This week has been another of high politics.

The feeling of lunging from one crisis to another has set not just with the government but with Parliament itself. Domestic politics seemed to cover old ground, u-turns, Iraq and MPs expenses. Foreign Affairs have also demonstrated a high-point in politics, demonstrations in Tehran, new agreements in Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty and even the Grande Dame of French politics, Mrs Chiraq, keeping the husband in line.

The announcement, at the start of this week, of an inquiry into the Iraq War was interesting in several respects. For Gordon's own reputation it was perhaps damaging. It demonstrated he had held no consultation with own, let alone others, party.

The nature of the inquiry, in private and by a Privy Council body, did no favours for the idea of openness and transparency. The later u-turn, agreeing that parts of the inquiry could be held in public, came after a heavy and largely unprecedented measure of criticism from leading former civil servents and former Army high brass itself.

Speaker Martin's final days have also done little for the reputation of MPs. The delicious hypocrocy of Cameron et al praising his abilities seemed at odds with the line taken only a few weeks ago.

Speaking of Speaker Martin, the man effectively in charge of the House, I wondered if he knew of the process of redaction. Most MPs vermentally assert they had no knowledge of the sheer level of black ink that would be applied to receipt and forms themselves. This again seems a contradiction to the idea of openess in Parliament.

However, this proves crucial in understanding the expenses scandal. Aside from police investigating several MPs, the process of redaction demonstrates that MPs have not been able to largely regulate themselves. The House authorities seem, at no point, to have grasped the seriousness of the level of public distrust and anger, and continue to be blistfully unaware.

Turning to Iran, Martin Amos, the author and poet, made an ominous prediction on the BBC's This Week. The strength of force in Tehran plays, he said, a crucial role.

Indeed, the old guard have so far with held back from a full on assault, perhaps cautious of the lessons of the Revolutionary Bodies own history, emerging from the over-throw of a deeply unpopular ruler. In the coming days and weeks, particular after the intervention of the Supreme Leader, it shall be interesting to see how authorites, and protestors, re-act.

The country now risks being very close to completely overthrowing the Islamic system all together or again surpressing the voices of a very considerable proportion.

Who knows what next week could only hold...

Rumours from the village

Morning all,

Well, in place of a normal post, here's a run down of this mornings main leaks, sorry stories.

The Spectator are reporting that Damian 'Trigger finger' McBride is back, with an email account.

Gordon Brown shall, in around 10 minutes, set out details of the Iraq inquiry. It shall undoutedly appease some factions of the party whilst being a barbed shot at the Blairite elements.

Isn't that right Former Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon...

Speaker Beckett?

This weekend, in the strongest signal yet of fear amongst the Labour ranks, former Housing Minister Margaret Beckett predicted a hung parliament.

Writing in The Times, Beckett displays the arrogant tone she has taken to adopting ever since her 'arrival' as Foreign Secretary in the dying days of the Blair government.

Her objective, to me, seems amazingly transparent. In emphasising the current predictions of doom and gloom Beckett hopes to further her stated ambition of becoming the Common's speaker.

What was it that Thatcher said about the oxygen of publicity?

Beckett's attempts at self promotion aside, she would be ill placed as a speaker for a new Parliament. Throughout the previous 12 years Beckett has remained a loyal backbencher, whip and minister. Unlike some of her notable counter-parts she has never, to date, criticised Government policy or personalities. Topped with the news that she herself also has questions surrounding the MPs expenses saga and it becomes a CV heading straight for the rejected pile.

No, she would not be 'best placed' (as she says) to reform and work with who-ever takes the top job. Saying all this, either are much of the other candidates...

Well, leaving aside the election of the speaker, Beckett's comments are interesting.

Predicting a hung Parliament has been something of a echo since as early as 2005. I suspect it would be no bad thing for our democracy to once again see a hung Parliament. The working of Cameron, a future Labour leader and possibly even Clegg could be the shot in the arm the country needs, seeing democractic renewal before their eyes. It could, just as easily, casade in one big infurno of political hustings and leave the 'real issues of the day' outside.

Political analysis have a proved record of getting wrong but I suspect, at the minimum, a smaller Conservative majority as a winner party with negotiations crucial for the future...

Speakers and Parliaments aside, how much longer should we continue to run with the 'Night of the Plastic Spoons' header? We has predicted taking it down on Friday but, in the words of Prime Minister Mandelson, 'there continues to be elements plotting Brown's downfall'.

Labour looks over the edge

Gordon Brown is meeting Labour members right now.

Last night, as the final result was declared in Manchester for the North-West region, one MP commented that a 'nasty taste had been left in my mouth'.

The election of two BNP candidates, for Humberside & Yorkshire and the North West, sent a chilling signal to Westminster (and to myself, living not far away from Nick Griffin's Welshpool home). Some have labeled this as merely a protest vote or because of 'local issues'. Indeed, it is a tried and tested BNP tactic to campaign on local issues, particular to select communities. However, the low voter turn-out, coupled with a disgust at MPs' expenses, must be sought out in an explanation of why the BNP did so well.

Coupled with news that Labour had lost a 90 year old control of Wales and been beaten into third position behind the Conservatives and the UK Independence Party.

So tonight, as Labour puts Gordon through his own star chamber, there will be much expected. Gordon clearly needs to articulate a 'way out' of the current perdicament, if only for his own political neck.

I suspect however that Gordon will be able to avoid the worst of the torture chamber.

Gordon has, to a degree, had the benefit of a reshaped cabinet. Unelected yes, but loyal. This rooting out of the dissenters today claimed my MP, Jane Kennedy.

Secondly, there is no rival. There is no stalking horse for that matter. If Labour were to really consider doing the dirty they would need Alan Johnston, or others, to stand.

Finally, and again for MPs own necks, the results from the EP elections shall have reminded MPs just how close they are to losing their seats. Electing a new party leader would inevitably lead to further calls for an early election, something most MPs are now desperate to avoid.

All in all, however thin the ice, I have a feeling Gordon may be able to skate over this one, this time.

Re-arranging the deck-chairs.

Image courtesy of the excellent Bleau Bo Dor Blog

The more I watch Gordon's emergency press conference, with its talk of presbyterian conscience, and honesty, I more it becomes apparent that this is a simple re-arrangement exercise.


The Spectator note that this is the most un-democratic government since the war cabinet of the Second World War.

7 ministers are now drawn from the Lords or shall be appointed to the Lords. This creates a serious democratic deficit, something Gordon famously aimed to abolish.

It is perhaps that, this democratic deficit, which is the real loser in this botched reshuffle. He may be drawing upon the Lords but his Commons authority shall now be severely tested.

Authority is now simply flowing from Number 10. For how long is now in the hands, almost entirely, of Labour MPs.

Political mood music for tonight

You've seven unelected ministers in your new cabinet, you've not slept since 10pm yesterday and there's still the EU election results to come.

So, put you're feet on and flick on the radio...



or perhaps...



Well, it's better than listening to Peter Hain and his crib sheet.

The state of play (tonight)

I've been cautious about doing one of these all afternoon, indeed I have spent most of this afternoon simply writing the '+++ XXX resigns +++'.

It's a sad state of affairs.

However, as the dust begins to settle, for tonight at least, it might be worth just taking a recap at who and why some of these ministers are leaving

Jacqui Smith - Former Home Secretary Arguably the point at which the rebellion gained momentum. It is now widely accepted that her departure was leaked by the next candidate.

Hazel Blears - Former Communities Secretary Following Brown's very public dressing down the former Communities Secretary snapped, telling Brown he had been unfair and ran a cowboy Cabinet.

James Purnell - Former Work and Pensions Secretary Perhaps the most directly damaging resignation to date, Purnell's resignation came as a shock to Downing Street and demonstrated the level of dischord within the cabinet prior to any other moves.

John Hutton - Former Defence Secretary Hutton's resignation is perhaps the least damaging, informing us that he'd been planning to resign for 'weeks'. Focusing on his constituency, remember that phrase? He's a known Blairite with this famous phrase, 'Gordon would be a fucking awful Prime Minister'.

Geoff Hoon - Former Transport Secretary Another 'friendly' resignation, still retaining some policy rolls.

Margaret Beckett - Former Housing Minister Revenge after being fired by Gordon as Foreign Secretary?

Caroline Flint - Former Europe Minister Angered at not being offered a promotion after veherment loyalty, Flint announced that Gordon treated women as 'window dressing'.

Well, that's the total so-far. Undoutedly there'll be more to come.

Opps. Completely forgot, another name for the pile...

Tony McNulty -Former Employment Minister
Known Blairite who's said to have been annoyed for quite some time.

+++ Hoon, Beckett and McNulty resign +++ Rumours of more to follow +++

The BBC are reporting that Geoff Hoon, the Transport Secretary, is to resign.

It remains unclear whether this is 'friendly fire' or a Purnell style leadership call.

Update one: Margaret Beckett has also resigned.

Update two: Ian Gibson resigns as an MP triggering a by-election for Norwich North.

Update three: Tony McNulty resigns.

Interesting comment from one of the new 'rebels', resignations is only chapter one. Sunday, if we make it to then, should be interesting....

More to follow.