As Diane Abbott makes it onto the Labour leadership ballot paper, we can’t but remind readers of what we reported – when nobody else was – this time yesterday:
“What passes for a PLP establishment machine in these days of interregnum is making serious efforts to get Abbott onto the ballot paper. MPs who haven’t yet nominated are being asked if they will lend her their support, in order to secure a less indefensibly homogenous choice for party members.”
Acting leader Harriet Harman then nominated Abbott that afternoon, with David Miliband adding his name this morning and Jack Straw weighing in the crucial 33rd nomination as today’s 1230 deadline loomed.
Creaking, chaotic and late, what’s left of the machine got it done in the end. And you read it here first.