Word reaches me that the five Labour leadership candidates are discussing plans to hold a "ceasefire" in August, in which they would all observe a pause in activity, and allow themselves time to rest.

This seems sensible, given the hectic programme of daily hustings and the length of the campaign, which culminates in September and which -- in terms of exhaustion levels -- must make the general election campaign pale into insignificance.

The question, however, is whether the ceasefire will hold, or whether one or more of the candidates will continue briefing, or use the quiet period to stage a dramatic stunt. We shall see.