People around Blair, including Mrs Blair, want someone else to take over.

Daily Express [I know, I know] Cherie won't let Blair quit over feud with Brown

CHERIE Blair is the driving force behind her husband's refusal to hand power to Gordon Brown, it emerged yesterday.

She has repeatedly urged him not to give in to the clamour to step down in favour of Mr Brown, say friends.

Mrs Blair, who is believed to despise the Chancellor, has played a key role in stiffening the Prime Minister's resolve in the face of a growing Labour revolt.

What would happen if Blair resigned at the Conference? Would Labour still face a 6-week leadership contest?

Nothing is 'mere'. — Richard P. Feynman

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.

This arrangement, if it exists, would enable Blair to be Prime Minister for ten years whilst bringing the timetable further forward from the one the Sun reported (was it yesterday or today). Things continue to move fast.