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Help is at hand for those of us still suffering post-election withdrawal symptoms.

As if the Labour leadership election were not exciting enough, its conclusion will usher in something not seen this century - shadow cabinet elections.

This exercise in mass democracy among the 259 Labour MPs will take place this autumn, with a crucial meeting to decide the rules scheduled for next week.

This meeting will decide how many of the 18 seats are reserved for women. There's speculation that a third of the seats could be reserved.

Among Gordon Brown's Cabinet, Peter Hain is one member likely to stand in what is likely to be a crowded field.

Chris Bryant, Wayne David, Kevin Brennan and Huw Irranca-Davies, Ministers all in the last government, are expected to stand.

Nia Griffith, Ian Lucas and Geraint Davies are other names on the lips of colleagues, although none has announced candidacy. Mr Davies is a parliamentary "retread" having just returned to Westminster after previously representing a Croydon seat.

The elections may be months away but have energised Labour MPs. Business Questions in the Commons have become a rolling hustings for potential candidates and a daily point of order from Chris Bryant has become part of parliamentary procedure.

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