Friday May 13: With wide shock over sudden death of Smith, David Blunkett appeals for time to mourn, as pundits tip Blair. Peter Mandelson encounters Blairite Lord Derry Irvine and says: "I'm not persuaded."
Saturday May 14: Mandelson on Channel 4 asks who will "play best at box office?" Seen by Brownites as coded Blair pitch.
Sunday May 15: Sunday Times reports 'secret pact' between Brown and Blair; Mandelson suspected as source. Brown and Blair meet for first time. Blair (reportedly) concedes Brown could win, but says he, Blair, would win general election. Tony Wright MP urges Brown to withdraw, as does Labour pollster Philip Gould in private.
Monday May 16: "Unison favours Blair", reports Guardian. Mandelson said to lobby for Blair in Commons tearoom, and writes to Brown summing up Blair's "southern appeal".
Tuesday May 17: Gould says Mandelson asked him to help keep Brown's chances afloat until "calm and rational decision". Brown privately decides not to run, allies later claim.
Wednesday May 18: Brown ally Nigel Griffiths attacks Mandelson for disloyalty. Mandelson gets Brown to apologise.
Friday May 20: Smith's funeral in Edinburgh.
Sunday May 22: Brown takes Blair's spot at Welsh TUC with moving, but enigmatic speech calling for "a time to unite".
Wednesday May 25: Labour agrees election timetable. Smith's deputy, Margaret Beckett, as acting leader, springs surprise by wanting election for deputy on same day, and contesting both. Gives Prescott chance to do same.
Thursday May 26: Nick Brown, Brown's number-cruncher, tells him to make up mind.
Monday May 30: Both Browns and Charlie Whelan dine at Joe Allen's in Covent Garden and decide he could not win without unleashing "dark and awful forces" against SDP-Mark II Blair.
Tuesday May 31: Whelan talks up Brown "level-pegging" to allow a dignified withdrawal. Blair and Brown dine at Granita near Blair's Islington home. Blair not sure what rival will do. Brown withdraws.
Wednesday June 1: Brown publicly withdraws after lunch, though Mandelson has already alerted TV.
Saturday July 21: Blair beats Beckett and Prescott handsomely with 57 per cent; Prescott becomes deputy. Brown helps write acceptance speech.
