A regretful Owen Smith has stopped short of conceding but tells the Guardian he never wanted to challenge Corbyn. In fairness, he never really did.

Guardian: Was nine months really enough time before MPs tried to oust a politician elected by the party’s membership?

Smith: “I wasn’t in favour of there being a challenge…”

Guardian: So you would have preferred to see Corbyn allowed to carry on for longer?

Smith: “Yes, is the honest answer.”

He’ll get his wish on Saturday.