Gordon Brown can count on the Conservatives, can't he?

No date is set for the vote, but when the legislation for the part-privatisation of the Post Office hits the Commons next month, the Prime Minister can count on David Cameron’s full support. An obvious point, you might say, given the Conservative party’s public pronouncements so far, but politics is a funny old game and the Government could be forgiven for fearing a last minute ambush. Team Dave are adamant in private that they have decided the policy and will stick with it. “We gave it a lot of thought,” I’m told, “even if it’s unpopular on the gound, it’s the right thing”

Down Victoria Street, where Lord Mandelson is having to sort this mess along with much else, they are happy to take Mr Cameron at his word (both public and private). John Redwood has offered an intriguing third way – getting Ken Clarke around the negotiating table – but that may be a GOAT too far for Brown Central. Having the Conservatives onside helps, given that on the Labour side it’s messy, and No10’s rejection of the Compass scheme has made things worse.