Smear, scandal and now election defeat: Labour is a spent force

They’ve even been beaten in Wales. They’ve been kicked into third, fourth or fifth place up and down the country. The party is hopelessly split between those who really want Brown to go but haven’t the bottle to get rid of him, and those who would take their chances – heads buried deep in the sand.

Last night, at an emotionally charged meeting of the PLP, Brown pleaded for loyalty and support. It was high drama, a Hollywood moment, a time for cheers and rousing applause. In the end, he got what he wanted – a kind of support, and a kind of closure. It seems Labour finally nailed their colours to the mast, for which now they will pay a very heavy price.

Labour's Hollywood moment

Only the most delusional Labourite would dispute that heavy defeat at the next general election is looming large. All that is left is to name the date. Bring it on Gordon.