Paul Flynn backs out of parliamentary attack on Rod Liddle

Rod Liddle's proposed editorship of The Independent has one less opponent today. And given that Labour MP Paul Flynn has backed out of sponsoring a Commons early day motion condemning Liddle , this is definitely a boost for the former editor of the BBC's Today programme. Flynn told me today that he regretted blogging so quickly after the Mail on Sunday's allegations of "racist" posts on a Millwall supporters' website , which is not connected to the football club. Liddle has claimed that some of his comments have been taken out of context and that some were posted by other people using his password (which would not have been a difficult code to crack as it was "Millwall"). Liberal Conspiracy website carries a long list of the quotes and some Liddle responses, while Stoners.org also lists some quotes and says: "MonkeyMFC - Let's stop the demonising and get some focus." Flynn said of his reversal: "Following the Mail on Sunday agenda is a mortifying experience." The MP has removed his anti-Liddle blog post and has clearly decided that Liddle's defence has some merit. Flynn now says that the decision about whether an early day motion goes ahead is entirely in the hands of Diane Abbott. Over to you, Diane.