A day for leaked memos

Two interesting leaked internal memos - one from the Conservatives and the other from Labour...

First up - the Tories. A memo, written by the Conservatives' Director of Policy and Research suggests, "We need to ensure that we have a strong and steady flow of policy ideas, speeches and announcements to release between now and Christmas... these do not need to be economy themed, or necessarily brand new... perhaps a previously announced policy that didn't get much attention could be relaunched successfully."

Labour have got hold of the memo and have tried to make some political capital out of it.

At least it shows that the Conservatives have recognised they need to counter the government's recent activity.

Second and more interesting, was leaked handwritten notes from a Labour party away day concerning the Glenrothes by-election. Apparently, the notes show that Labour fear that the party in Fife is "Not geared up for modern campaigning," and that their internal figures suggest a swing to the SNP across Fife of 5.5%. Guido has the document on his blog here.

Salmond has been quick to jump on the news and has predicted that the SNP will win - but it will be close.

Labour are defending a 10,600 majority in the seat, although the SNP did win the seat in the Scottish parliament elections last year.

It's probably too close to call. The bookies have the SNP as slight favourites. Politics Home's PHI 100 panel were at first confidently predicting an SNP victory, but are now leaning towards Labour. I think that Labour may just pull it off. Of course, if they don't it will be very damaging for Gordon, as he has campaigned twice in the consitutuency, and it's in his backyard.

UPDATE 21:40 The Times is now reporting that Labour are admitting defeat and expecting a 3,000 SNP majority in Glenrothes... I still think it will be closer...

It must be a day for people losing things - James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary has apparently left confidential government documentation on a train.