Harman: I won’t stand for the leadership under any circumstances

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

UPDATE: The plot thickens. Apparently Harriet’s denial of ambition, below, carries a triangulated addendum disclaimer: “I’m a loyal deputy to Gordon.” Martin Bright speculates on what all this could mean here.

Harriet Harman has told Andrew Neil that she will “absolutely” not stand for the Labour leadership at any time, under any circumstances.

In an interview recorded for this weekend’s BBC Straight Talk, she says:

“It’s absolutely not true that I’m taking soundings for the purposes of leadership ambitions. I haven’t got any leadership ambitions and therefore I wouldn’t be taking soundings.”

When asked if she would stand under any circumstances, she said “absolutely not”, and said she would “absolutely” refuse to stand even if asked or nominated by any third party.

Fairly categorical answer, then.