No Stich-Up at No.10

John McDonnell MP, the only declared leadership candidate who is today launching his campaign in Manchester, said:

"I welcome Tony Blair's further clarification today of the timetable for his departure, but let make it clear that members of the Labour Party will not accept a backroom deal to install Gordon Brown as a proto-leader of the Party in advance of them having any chance to cast their votes in a democratic election."