So the Tories knew all along. Did anyone tell Gordon?

It's being suggested on the Telegraph news ticker that the "secret talks" with Labour yesterday were never anything more than going through the motions (for the reason suggested in a previous post).

the Lib Dems had already decided to form a coalition with the Conservatives and were merely "going through the motions" in opening talks with Labour

Malcolm Rifkind clearly didn't spot this.

But maybe Cameron knew. That's why he, Michael Gove and others, were able to take it with such equanimity.

The question though: did Gordon Brown know?


The tantalising possibility: Peter Mandelson knew (or guessed). But he didn't tell Brown. Did he let Brown believe that by resigning as party leader, a Labour-saving deal was possible? 


And so Brown fell on his sword. 


And the Dark Lord chuckled.