Are things about to get worse for Brown?

Today is a bad day for Labour in the spin wars. The papers have settled for a generally mocking tone about the G20 and Gordon Brown’s effort to save the world. Note how The Times in its pre-summit write up points out how ‘the ExCeL’s next big event is the British Pest Control Association conference.’ (Personally, I’m more amused by the summit goody-bag containing a tea-towel). While The Times have got George Soros talking about whether or not Britain will need to be bailed out by the IMF, a discussion that is hardly likely to prompt confidence in the Prime Minister’s economic judgment.

Worryingly for Brown, the press also seems ready to embark on another set of speculation about a leadership challenge to Brown this side of the election. Martin Kettle cautiously floated the possibility yesterday and Peter Oborne does so today in his Mail column (which also contains a fascinating revelation about the Bank of England pension fund).