John Reid may not be able to beat Gordon Brown: but he can rattle him

Since he was first outmanoeuvred over the Labour party leadership in 1994 Gordon Brown has pursued a strategy as simple as it is ruthless: he identifies his most likely challenger and destroys him. Alan Milburn, David Blunkett and Charles Clarke were all once seen by Tony Blair as potential successors. Yet all now lie on the back benches embalmed, awaiting political burial. But there is one who remains defiantly at large, having sidestepped every landmine planted for him by fate or the Chancellor. Brownite bullets seem to slide off John Reid.

‘I am the current Home Secretary,’ he declared to guests at a Home Office reception on Tuesday evening, joking about his own survival record. Those asking about his leadership ambition were rewarded with a mischievous smile, but no answers. In private, as in public, he does not talk of a ‘smooth transition’ of power to Brown: he looks forward to a contested leadership election and refers to candidates (plural) who can do Blair’s job. He is almost alone in the Cabinet in being utterly unintimidated by the Chancellor.

This was more than evident at a dinner held in Glasgow last Christmas where, I am told, he regaled guests with the history of Labour party leadership contests. In no case other than John Smith’s has the front-runner won. His small audience was invited to draw their own conclusions. He went on to say that he alone in the Cabinet has taken the time to address Labour members of the Scottish Parliament. Those present were amazed: Reid was canvassing for a leadership election, and had started by challenging Mr Brown on his own turf.