About Face!

David Cairns, who is as loyal as they come, resigns. Now there is talk that Eric Joyce, who has made rabid loyalty and art-form, is now being speculated over as a potential rebel.

I`ll say that again – Government Rebel Eric Joyce.

The Evening Standard has reported that “An MP close to Mr Joyce said: "It's just a question of timing really. I don't think there's anything that would make him change his mind. He just doesn't think Gordon will pull the rabbit out of the hat."

The Herald’s Michael Settle has followed this up and Joyce is reported as saying that "I am not resigning as a PPS post-conference. I'm looking forward to Gordon's speech and success in Glenrothes." He went on: "I support Gordon Brown as party leader."

So is Joyce going to bolt or has he been smoked out and forced back into line?