In the run up to the pitched battle over social care at yesterday’s PMQs, Labour councillors had firstly criticised the Government’s policy and then mysteriously withdrew their names from the letter in very mysterious circumstances.  The Times reports:

“Iain Malcolm, of South Tyneside, was the only council leader to return calls from The Times, which approached all councils and individuals involved. He said the decision to remove his councillor’s name was entirely his own after she had told him of the situation. He was unable to explain why his e-mail was identical in wording and style to other retractions.”

He also failed to mention that he spins for controversial lobbying firm Sovereign Strategy and is David Miliband’s election agent…