There was speculation that the sorry spectacle of a fortnight ago would lead to more potential candidates for the leadership: that Blairites who were once prepared to hold their noses through a Brown premiership would now queue up to fight him.  And yet, while there has been something of an outbreak of ruling themselves out of the running, as yet only two candidates are ruled in: Gordon Brown and John McDonnell.

Will they be joined by other candidates?  The suspicion is still that they will be.  John Reid came pretty close to ruling himself out.  Miliband has done so.  Alan Johnson hasn't, but is clearly more interested in the Deputy Leadership.  I have read the occasional article in the blogosphere still suggesting that Michael Meacher may have a go: I suspect that's incorrect.  Are there others yet to be mentioned?  There's obviously a constituency for John Denham on these pages, but has he given any hint that he's interested in the job at this stage?  Others are still suggesting Alan Milburn.  Who can say?

But the important issue is, surely, the sort of government that these potential leaders might bring us.  Do we want a Labour government, with Labour policies?  Then, clearly we vote McDonnell.  Do we want a New Labour government, with further reforms to the public services (such as this new plan for a semi-independent NHS?) - then we vote for Brown.  Or do we want a Tory government?  Then we vote for Alan Milburn.

I shall include a poll at the bottom. Please advertise it on your blogs, etc. so we can get more than the usual dozen or so votes.  If you want me to add a name, just ask!