Tories start pleading with Miliband not to run....

Perhaps the most conclusive proof yet that the Conservatives don't want Brown to be replaced. (He's too good for them). No more nods and winks. No more muffled attacks at PMQs. William Hague has actually come out and said that David Miliband shouldn't challenge Brown yet.

Hague bases his advice on his own experience, saying he became leader of the Tories too young, or at least too early.

The only slight snag is that David Miliband is 43. (Hague was 36 when he became leader). David Cameron became Tory leader when he was 39, and is still only 42.