The return of John Reid

John Reid, thought to be a potential challenger to Gordon Brown, has announced that he will resign as Home Secretary when Tony Blair goes and will not serve under Gordon Brown.

Reid has always been regarded as a man of ambition which is why his decision to stand down has been regarded as surprising.

Perhaps Reid agrees with my analysis that Gordon Brown is the Jim Callaghan of his generation and when Brown leads Labour to defeat in the next General Election, he will be in a perfect position to launch a leadership bid once Brown steps down.

Reid can link himself to the three successive Blair wins and distance himself from the Brown premiership and say: "Nothing to do with me, guvnor. I didn't do it cos I wasn't there. Don't blame me - it just isn't fair."

Have we heard the last of John Reid? I very much doubt it.