Unconfirmed, Guido is checking – a source has just phoned, claiming to be at the drinks reception for North West Labour Party parliamentary researchers, where James Purnell has just told them that, if no credible candidate comes forward by noon tomorrow, he himself will stand..

You read it here first…

UPDATE 18.54 : Have just texted Purnell, no response.  Can’t get hold of his former SpAd either.

UPDATE 20.27 : Looks like this will stay exclusive, Guido got punked, guess we will know for sure soon.  Never wrong for long…