indicate that Brown might win the leadership but lose a general election.
It's not just the public asking questions. Delegates in Manchester are expressing growing doubts about Brown's suitability for the top job and his ability to win. Last night TV producers were handing out "Anyone but Gordon" wristbands in conference bars.
But who will it be? David Milliband and Alan Johnson hardly set the heather on fire with their conference speeches. It's John Reid who now looks the man most likely to challenge Brown. This morning he received one of the warmest receptions of conference and a standing ovation at the end of his speech.
He didn't declare himself explicity, but the word leadership was scattered throughout his speech. When he said, "We won't be brow-beaten by bullies", one couldn't help feeling he was talking about the Brownites as much as he was about potential terrorists.
If the sniping around Brown's succession continues - and if the polls continue to indicate that he would lose to Cameron in a general election - then Reid will declare himself officially before long. 
FIRST POSTED SEPTEMBER 28, 2006
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