He will not have done what he did last week without a huge amount of agonising soul searching; that and the knowledge that a swing similar to what we had in Norwich during a general election may wipe out his own majority and the remainder of the Labour party.

Labour MPs want Gordon out and now. Out before conference so that they can call a leadership election and put someone else in place.

Someone in place who will maximise a honeymoon bounce. Would the people insist on a general election being called? Depends who replaces Gordon. If it's Harriet Harman almost certainly, if it’s Alan Johnson, I'm not so sure; he would be more likely, given his general sanguine demeanour to push the date for some time.

An interesting summer ahead. Barry given his loyal adoration of his masters may have achieved what has, until now, eluded Charles Clarke. Gordon Brown will be far more concerned with what Barry said than he has been with many of the noises off up until now.

It’s a known fact that the last MP to see Margaret Thatcher before she stood down was the Labour MP, a man I hugely respect, Frank Field. He knocked on the door of No10 and was asked "what are you going to tell her" he replied (according to my sources) "to go" and so they let him in. He met her in private and shortly after, she went.

Who will be Gordon's Frank?

I don't believe it is Barry, but he is certainly the fore runner. Who is the messenger who Gordon would listen to?

Surely it has to be Pat McFadden? A quiet, friendly, lovely man. Party loyal, principled, trade union, Scottish. Worked at a high level within the party in the background for many years.

Does he have the political courage? Or will the duty once again, fall to Frank.

What is the opposite of a King Maker?