So, another new year. Time for some predictions, then.
1) Mr Tony will announce his resignation in March, the day after Mr Gordon delivers a lacklustre final Budget. Nobody stands against Mr Gordon and he is rushed into No 10 in time for the elections in Wales, Scotland and the English councils....
2) In which Labour do surprisingly well, scraping enough seats in the Assembly - let's say 27 - to convince Rhodri Morgan to lead a minority administration, particularly as there's no chance of a 'rainbow coalition' and John Marek's defeat in Wrexham leaves only one independent. The minority administration suffers a few bumps and scrapes but makes it through 2007 (in Scotland the SNP emerge as the largest party with Alex Salmond the new First Minister)...
3) Plaid remain the second-largest party in the Assembly, but the Tories push them so close it’s what Sir Alex Ferguson once called “squeaky bum time”. Dafydd Wigley, however, fails in his return bid and Ieuan Wyn Jones comes under pressure from his party - but the lack of any obvious successor means he just about holds on. Lib Dems remain static after solid but unspectacular campaign. Poorer results over the border see Sir Menzies Campbell forced out, sparking a leadership battle in which Nick Clegg beats Chris Huhne...
4) Lord Elis-Thomas steps down as Presiding Officer of the Assembly. Replaced by Peter Black...
5) And Peter Hain is narrowly defeated by Harriet Harman to the Deputy Leadership role. Given lesser role in cabinet by Brown, with Welsh Secretary job going to Kim Howells.