Mandelson ready to fight for Brown – 8 in the morning, January 6th

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

* AMID REPORTS of new cabinet rifts, Peter Mandelson is returning to Gordon Brown’s side today – and will give a speech calling for a diversification of the economy.

* THERE IS NO CHALLENGER to Gordon Brown’s leadership, writes Jonathan Freedland.

* THE TIMES REPORTS that the new head of the Parliamentary Standards Authority, Ian Kennedy, has indicated that Sir Christopher Kelly’s proposals on reforming MPs’ expenses cannot work. Kennedy will give a speech today outlining alternative, lighter plans.

* A CROSS PARTY GROUP of MPs has urged for a 70million population cap to be in manifestos.

* JOHN RENTOUL has a plan to keep New Labour alive.

* TORY MARRIAGE POLICY will harm the young and the poor the most, finds Left Foot Forward.

* #KERRYOUT IS INEPTLY NEGATIVE, NASTY-PARTY STUFF, according to Sarah Ditum on the Guardian’s Comment is Free.

* A BALLOT WILL BE HELD to determine who will attend Tony Blair’s imminent appearance at the Chilcot Inquiry.