A Christmas Tale

Real news is already drying up as the Christmas hiatus approaches. Witness today’s Independent which carries the bizarre story that Gordon Brown could be asked to stand down as Labour leader in the new year but would be allowed to stay as Prime Minister until the general election - which Labour would fight under a new leader.

The paper describes the plan as “astonishing” but still dedicates a thousand or so words to the suggestion emanating from ‘senior Labour figures’ (presumably during a senior moment) who are alleged to claim it would boost the party's election prospects without humiliating Mr Brown. Apparently, the new Labour leader would take part in the three TV election debates with David Cameron and Nick Clegg announced this week.

The strategy – if such a move can actually merit the name – is being dubbed as "the Aznar option" which refers to the unsuccessful attempt in 2003 by former Spanish premier Jose Maria Aznar to keep his Popular Party in power. Others within the party are understandably said to be using quite a different description - but which also begins with 'A'.

Political editor Andrew Grice, who penned the article, states that "Labour probably won't go for the Aznar option. But the fact it is even being discussed is a sign that, despite the mini-recovery in the polls, many Labour figures are still braced for election defeat".

The last bit might be true but how may Labour turkeys would vote to give Cameron & Co the best Christmas present they could hope to receive? The question is rhetorical, of course.