I was wrong, but so was Brown

It seems I very much misunderestimated Brown’s reluctance to any form of risk to losing his new toy. Still, we responded before the Tories did; and it seems Cameron is now going to have to pretend to be a caring fluffy liberal for a bit longer.

But, no matter what political commentators say about this decision, it is not a short-term setback for Brown. His decision today was not merely an embarrassing pull-out, it was a clear signal that he is scared. This has turned the so-called “clunking fist” into a mere clawless paw. It has undermined not just the credibility of his government, but the strength of its resolve. Brown, by clinging to his most prized possession has put himself on a downward slippery slope.

Cameron may secretly be breathing a sigh of relief: he truly was not as ready as he said he was. But he must be wondering exactly how long the pack of Tories behind him will put up with him wearing yellow clothes. The Tebbits of the Tories have their knives sharpened.