We are no clearer

There's much excitement over the news that Labour is hiring election staff. The BBC went big on it at lunchtime. Does this mean a poll is imminent?

Sorry to be a damp squib, but I'm afraid it means no such thing. Last month the party appointed Jon Mendelsohn as its election director, charged with getting its funding in place and readying the party machinery for an election, whenever it comes. He started work earlier this month, and today's news is nothing more than confirmation that he is doing that job. 

There may of course be an election in November, but the news today makes absolutely no difference to the timing,