Government insiders say plans plans are afoot that will result in proposals for two super-casinos - in Manchester, as originally planned, and Blackpool - being proposed to a committee of MPs within weeks. The Observer
The idea is to placate MPs in the Commons and Lords who blocked culture secretary Tess Jowell's original plans by letting both Manchester and Blackpool have super-casinos. The plan would require Conservative support, which could be more likely now that Blackpool council has changed from Labour to Tory.
Last week Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein was said to have held secret talks with chancellor Gordon Brown and Tory leader David Cameron to seek assurances over Manchester's selection.