The idea of a Labour Party shaped by liberal republicans sets itself deliberately against the Big State politics espoused by Mr Brown and his preferred successor, Ed Balls, let alone the civil liberties-destroying authoritarian streak championed by Mr Blair and core supporters such as John Reid and Hazel Blears. It favours individual budgets for health care, backs Tory reforms on education, prefers tax on unearned income, and believes in civil liberties – all ground championed by David Cameron.

It has attracted the attention of James Purnell, who is being talked about as the liberal alternative to Mr Balls or even David Miliband, another possible contender who is identified as an heir to the more authoritarian wing of the party. Mr Purnell in turn has excited the curiosity of Jon Cruddas, the leadership wild card, who sees in the idea of liberal republicans the outline of a grand alliance between ''early Blairite'' liberals and the radical Lef