MANY people around Gordon Brown appear delighted that a "coronation" will sweep their man into No 10 - but I think they are mistaken. It would be far better for the Chancellor, for the Labour Party and for the country if he faced a challenge, however flimsy, before achieving his dream of becoming Prime Minister.

Sadly, as I write, the attempt by John McDonnell - the remaining left-wing challenger - to gain the necessary 45 signatures to enter the race appears doomed. As of last night, Mr McDonnell had secured the support of just 29 MPs, giving him less than 24 hours to persuade 16 of the 17 still up for grabs to back him.

With former Home Secretary Charles Clarke and maverick rightwinger Frank Field among the 17 still to declare, it was game over.

If only Mr McDonnell's support in the North-East - Frank Cook (Stockton North), Bill Etherington (Sunderland North), Jim Cousins (Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central) and Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) who have all nominated him - was matched elsewhere.

Unless... is it too late for Mr Brown to reconsider his pledge not to 'lend' Mr McDonnell some supporters in order to avoid a walkover?

Those Brown supporters hoping Mr McDonnell would fail argued that any contest would be certain to open up divisions within the Labour Party, to the advantage of the Tories. What if the rank outsider does better than expected among rank-and-file members and trade unionists, they asked? What damage would that inflict on the runaway favourite?

Far better, the 'coronationists' argued, for Mr Brown to reach No 10 by acclaim from a united party - saving his strength to then turn his fire on the Conservatives.

It is true the Chancellor has made an impressive start to his campaign, winning plaudits for a relaxed style and fresh policy ideas on schools, the environment and the powers of Parliament. Tory protests that his pledges to improve pupil numeracy and build 'eco-homes' are tired old reannouncements are falling on deaf ears - so far.

But this favourable coverage cannot survive a six-week non-contest that is a recipe for boredom and a vacuum that the media will fill - probably with bad news stories about Mr Brown.

Looking at Mr McDonnell's agenda - immediate withdrawal from Iraq, higher taxes on big earners, no privatisation of public services - it appears perfect for the Chancellor to define himself against.

Mr Brown wants to reassure the nation he is not Old Labour. He can achieve that by being against tax rises, pro 'reform' of schools and hospitals and in favour of a phased Iraq pull out.

Of course, he could not hope for the meteoric boost that David Cameron enjoyed from fighting a leadership contest, because the Tory leader came from nowhere. Nevertheless, better an easy win that the nation might notice, than six weeks spent shadow boxing.

I have fond memories of a Not The Nine O'Clock News sketch in which suspects are arrested for "walking on the cracks in the pavement" and "looking at me in a funny way".

That spirit appears to live on in certain police forces, judging by two wacky arrests recounted at this week's Police Federation conference.

One man was cautioned for being "in possession of an egg with intent to throw", while a 70-year-old was arrested for criminal damage for cutting back a neighbour's conifers too vigorously.