Self-confessed Brownite columnist Jackie Ashley writing in today's Guardian concludes:
Maybe the country has had enough of him, though I suspect it remains a slightly fairer-minded place than the current hysteria suggests. In any event, the sensible thing for Labour is to stop this public feuding. The dignified thing for Brown is to refocus on the issues that matter to people, confront problems like the 10p tax rate and the recent immigration report, and plug gamely on. Brown has been indecisive, but I don't think he's a coward. At the very least, a display of grit and stoicism would remind people why so recently they found much to admire in this complex, struggling man.
Not exactly expressed with much expectation of delivery. But she captures the quiet frustration felt by any Labour Party member or supporter fearful of the Tories regaining power. Alistair Darling has to have a 10p tax losers' compensation package drawn up, and Hazel Blear's needs support for a public housing acquisition and building programme to complement interest rate measures to reduce the risk of negative equity, and increase supply at affordable levels of rent. And that other festering issue - 42-day detention (not mentioned by Ashley)? Do government business managers seriously believe that this is achieveable, desirable or likely to encourage people to flock back to Labour as members?
Members have a role in putting some pressure on Labour's elected representatives, especially those on the payroll vote. Time to mobilise.