Did someone forge Marsha Singh signature on a nomination paper for John McDonnell? Why are some of JM supporters waging vicious and very personal “Kamikaze" attacks against Jon Cruddas? Rumour mill is going into overdrive, I have been doing some digging but as a Westminster village outsider, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of such reports. But they do reflect what many people appear to believe.

Both Sky News and BBC News 24 are reporting 'breaking news' that Michael Meacher is standing down in John's favour.

See the press conference here

Some video footage from the hustings has made it onto Youtube.  It's a wobbly audience film, and obviously there were TV cameras there which might make for better viewing: but here are the 'opening statements' from each candidate:

The full transcript of last night’s Fabian hustings event, with Gordon Brown, John McDonnell and Michael Meacher, can now be read on the Fabian website.

Whether you attended last night, saw or heard the debate on the TV or radio,  or have read the transcript, let us know what you thought?

The BBC interviewed John McDonnell earlier and he hopefully clarified some of the points being discussed elsewhere. Here is the BBC interview

Couldn't stand the suspense any  longer  so slugged back a large gin at  3.20pm.I had a feeling  things were not quite going to plan.

Did anyone see the end of the Six O'Clock News when the correspondent outside Downing Street (I think it was John Piennar) said that there was likely to be a leadership election: Gordon Brown vs Michael Meacher?

Yesterday was of course the day that he and John McDonnell met up to compare lists of supporters...

Two hours ago I started   a new Facebook group called Stand Down Meacher! It is already heading  for 40 members with 1 joining every   couple of minutes.

Metaphorically choked over  my cornflakes this mrining at the Telegraph claim from Michael Meacher that he now has support  of 25 MPs.

Defence & Foreign Policy After Blair
A conference for Labour Party members and activists.
Organised by Labour Against the War in conjunction with Labour CND and Labour Action for Peace

I have just blogged on to Michael Meacher's website. It  says he is "Labour's Future."  If so, it is a pretty forlorn prospect. Two weeks after I set up Grimmer Up North, my humble little blog, I am getting more comments than a leadership candidate for the Labour Party.If only I were an MP, I could go for it too!

Michael Meacher on the need for a wholly different approach to foreign policy, opposition to any attack on Iran and the need to reduce dependency on oil.

(From the People's Assembly against the War, London Tuesday 20th March)

Leadership contender Michael Meacher talks to Labourhome about his campaign.

This week's  Tribune has the results of an on-line poll on the Labour leadership. An overwhelming  93 PER CENT  of those who voted say Michael Meacher should not have launched a rival campaign to that of John McDonnell.

Today's Indy has questions  to Michael Meacher. Glad to report he gets grilled from a goodly band of John McDonnell supporters. However  prepare to be incensed by  the following denial  of John's  chances. I  hope supporters out there will e-mail Meacher  in yet more droves.

Some of you may have missed a new initiative last week.  A new campaign, originating from the Labour backbenches.  It is not quite clear whether the small band of supporters represent a new parliamentary 'group' or whether it somehow ties in with the leadership contest, but I'm sure there are many of us who would welcome the .'Big Change' statement

What has happened to Michael Meacher's blog?

It was billed as a place where labour party members could discuss the issues that matter.  But nobody seems to be discussing anything very much any more...

Leadership candidate John McDonnell looks to be in a bit of trouble. I have bumped into numerous "players" on the left who are decidedly uncomfortable with his unilateral declaration of candidacy without having consulted in advance many of the backers a left-wing candidate would be expected to secure.