Prediction - Howard's About to Resign...

Three reasons why I think we're about to see a leadership transition in the Libs:

1. The huge rush on to push through a raft of legislative changes before Xmas. Why? Because Johnny wants to wear the mantle on these for prosperity (oh, and it also lets Costello/Turnbull argue that they didn't guarantee that "no one would be worse off").
2. Recent turmoil with Costello being sent to the cleaners on the appointment of Robert Gerard to the Reserve Bank highlights leadership tensions within the Libs. This surely was an internal knife in the back - Labor completely missed it for 3 years and it wasn't till the Fin Review published the story that it all come to light. No, my bet is it was either Malcolm Turnbull's supporters or someone else jockeying into position - with the expectation that Howard was about to "walk the plank" so they're getting in early to undermine Costello's chances.
   
3. Yesterday's announcement by Costello that he was going to be working on the Budget and that he would deliver the budget next year (i.e. won't be leader) is such a classic political move I'm amazed that everyone's taken it hook, line and sinker. Ever since it's been an issue, Costello has always been obscure with remarks about the future - now suddenly it's definately not on - yeah, right!!!

No, clearly Howard's clearing the way for Costello (after many years promising it too him, he has to deliver) so I suspect all of this is simply to take the press hounds off Howard so he can make the announcement at his choosing.