Source: "Jeremy so determined to stay that if him and John [McDonnell] have to fill positions and turn up to Commons Qs in different roles this will."

Just think about that. Savour the thought, the true delusion of it. A government has over a hundred on the payroll – Cabinet members, junior ministers, whips, Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPSs). They all have roles – the business of government involves a lot of meetings, decisions, speeches and appearances. They also have a role – a loyal phalanx of voting fodder.

Oppositions tend to ape that governmental structure. For one thing, opposition leaders need loyal followers too. For another, marking – as in football – is effective. But now Corbyn does not have enough supporters to fill a full front bench team – indeed, one Shadow Cabinet member resigned after only two days in the job.