Straw praises Smith and slams Blears

Jack Straw has just been on Channel 4 News drawing contrasts between Jacqui Smith’s ‘dignified’ exit and Hazel Blears’. Straw made clear that he didn’t think Smith had leaked the news of her own departure, saying he had known about it for a month. Straw seemed happy to imply that he shared the rage that many Labour members are feeling towards Blears right now. There is no doubt that by resigning on the eve of these elections Blears has cost Labour votes and councillors their seats. The next question is how does Blears respond to the briefings against her both public and private.

I slightly expect there now to be a lull in public, in private things will continue to build, until the polls close tomorrow night. But considering how things are going no one can feel confident making any predictions. The normal rules aren’t in force at the moment.