Because that worked so well last time - Peter Mandelson not learning by experience

The Telegraph reports that:

'Gordon Brown is expected to step down quickly if Labour suffers a decisive defeat on Thursday – plunging his party into its first leadership contest for 16 years.

Labour insiders say the Prime Minister could well be replaced by Harriet Harman, the party's deputy leader, as a "caretaker" while Mr Brown's successor is a chosen – in a battle which is likely to last for months.

A group known as the "ultras" which includes Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary and the man who is running Labour's much-criticised campaign, is keen to install David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, as leader without a formal contest.'

A new leader installed without a formal contest, yes that worked so well last time...