Clearly many of Mr Meacher's supporters were not as happy to switch to Mr McDonnell as the man himself was, and the chance of him getting 45 Labour MPs to back him by the Thursday 1230 BST deadline faded.

BBC: Analysis

Some say Mr Fischer might switch to the Social Democrats, though that would not guarantee that he kept his ministry.

ECONOMIST: Germany and Kosovo: The war divides | The

Mr. Lasorda was the one who advised Mr. Piazza to switch from first baseman to catcher.

WSJ: Drinking Wine With Mike Piazza | On Wine by Lettie Teague