IT'S ON!

Michael Martin has confirmed that he will indeed stand down as an MP. Not that this news is of any surprise, we all knew that he was going to do it, but now he has confirmed it, which now effectively means that the by-election is now 'officially' on!

He will step down as the MP on the same day as he resigns as Speaker - 21st June. This will give too options for Labour: Hold a quick, election in August OR slug it out and wait until September!

This is going to be a very interesting summer!