Chancellor Gordon Brown said he has told Mr Blair it "is for him to make the decision" when he goes".

Optimistically, this could mean there's been a deal made behind the scenes and Brown is toning things down to stop war breaking out.

Less optimistically, he's surrendered.

If Cherie is calling the shots (WTF?) it's more likely to be the latter.

It's worth mentioning some history here. There are rumours that the original deal, made before 1997, was that Toneee would hand over to Gordon.

This was - allegedly - reinforced a few years ago.

If Tonee has gone back on his side of the deal, he has screwed his own Chancellor.

Which is impressive, in a rather depressing way.

If Cherie is involved this makes the Catholic Coup theory more plausible. Cherie is a Catholic, and she won't be happy if someone who isn't a Catholic - Reid is, Gordo manifestly isn't - takes over from hubby.