Labour in crisis: more a stalking herd than a stalking horse

What progress are rebels making?

At one stage, an errant element of the "tree" organisation, with seven branches, running the attempt to oust Gordon Brown had suggested a list of 70 names would be handed to ­Downing Street the same night as details of the plot emerged. This was seized on by ­Downing Street, and has been used since, as evidence their plot was stillborn. But over-excited briefing aside, at the ­beginning of the week rebels told the Guardian they were ­considering a publication date of yesterday or Monday, depending on the date of the reshuffle. So the list should be emerging any time.

What are their tactics?

The prime minister's critics are asking supporters to contact an email account rather than sign a hard copy of any ­letter. Their email account, they say, is receiving messages: "they drop at intervals" said one with the password. But a supplementary idea has emerged ­during the week – a secret ballot of the parliamentary Labour party, at a meeting on Monday night. Rebels once talked about printing the list this ­morning, but now there is a slight ­modification in language with the ­suggestion it might be after the Monday night meeting.

Do they have enough names ?

Their subtle modification of ­publication time for the list on Monday either indicates flux or nerves that they need another 48 hours to gather more names.

They say that they already have the 75 names they need – but then they would say that, wouldn't they? They have consistently suggested to the Guardian they would need the weekend to turn all the statements of support into actual emails, but their reluctance to "talk numbers" may indicate less progress than desired.

Is anyone emerging as a stalking horse?

No. They will not put up a candidate who would challenge the prime minister on behalf of someone else within cabinet since that route requires the permission of the national executive committee which, since Brown controls the NEC, is extremely unlikely.

Instead they are mobilising as much support as they can to oppose Brown, and have chosen a tactic better described as a stalking herd rather ­stalking horse – ie, a group of MPs rather than an individual.