Resignation and succession?

So now it looks as if Gordon Brown is about to resign. He is bowing to the inevitable, as there was little or no chance of labour forming a workable coalition. I have some sympathy for him - he expected to become PM earlier but was denied this by this by Blair, and by the time he assumed the role, was given an impossible hand to play. And so he led labour to inevitable (but not overwhelming) defeat.

In a funny way, I feel quite optimistic, and politically at least, refreshed and re-invigorated. Because this government had become tired, old and past its sell by date. It was making bad decisions (such as the ludicrous digital economy bill), and ended up trying to make desperate and unsustainable deals with other parties. It had become depressing watching a seemingly endless succession of byelection defeats and council losses. Perhaps now labour will rebuild from a local base (and the increase in councils and councillors on Thursday was encouraging).

Gordon Brown gave a dignified and generous resignation speech outside Downing street, to some applause. He spoke of returning to the best job in life, being a husband and father. And then walked with his family to the car to take them to the palace for the formal resignation. I would think that part of Brown will be relieved to be away from the pressures of office. No one should have to put up with the character assassination, lies and distortions that he has endured from the rabid right wing press pack.

Nick Robinson (the official BBC Conservative spokesman) spoke sympathetically about the support Brown had received from his wife Sarah. But then he can afford to be generous, as the overwhelmingly right wing press have at last got the result they so desperately wanted.

So now we wait for the outcome of the deal between the tories and the liberals. I assume the least the liberals have gained from the tories is a referendum on PR, probably alternative vote system. Which tories will be free to campaign against. And how will the referendum be organised - as simple majority means that the voting system changes? Or will there be some sort of qualifying level, say 75% for any change to take place?

Interesting times.....