That the Sun has decided to tentatively back Cameron’s Conservatives at the next General Election is surprise to no one, however the timing is curious. No doubt inspired by Murdoch lacky turned Cameron sidekick, Andy Coulson, to distract from the media response to Gordon Brown’s speech, the timing of the Sun’s endorsement nevertheless suggests that the newspaper is more interested in damaging Brown than promoting Cameron. If the latter were Rupert Murdoch’s objective then I believe the Sun would’ve come out for Cameron during next week’s Tory conference instead.

Of course the endorsement isn’t ideal for Labour, but voters receive their news from many sources today, with the effect that editorial endorsements are less persuasive on voting intentions than has historically been the case. And if there can be a silver lining to yesterday’s move by the Sun, it’s the galvanising effect on Labour MPs, activists and supporters who will now be charging back to nations and regions to lead our fight back.