How the Miliband brothers question may yet be resolved

Many expect Ed to run against David. Here’s another theory.

By James Macintyre Published 11 May 2010 11:15

The progressive alliance is still in the balance.

What is clear, however, is that the Labour Party will have a new leader by the autumn. Mehdi and I are writing a piece about that race in the issue of the magazine that's out tomorrow.

In the meantime, it is worth floating one theory that has yet to be aired: at present, the talk is of a race between the Miliband brothers, Ed Balls and possibly one or two others, including Jon Cruddas. But it remains possible that Ed Miliband, whom I first tipped in this magazine in late 2008, will not want to run against his elder brother.

In which case, the already strong hand of the clear favourite, David Miliband, will be strengthened further as Ed Miliband, having gathered support, eventually "does a Gordon" and sacrifices himself to back David.

Ed Miliband is perhaps the most talented rising star of all in Labour. The two brothers together would be a lethal dream ticket. But perhaps this is too clever by half.

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Tags: Election 2010 Hung Parliament

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7 comments

Tue, 2010-05-11 12:20 — john mari (not verified)

Yes I quite agree, these boys can save labour
Bacon,and put the tories on the chopping block.
Ed has charsm and david has the presents to pull
This off, as a labour supporter you would not have guest.
I see this the way forward to 5 more glourius years
Of labour rule, with the simon pegg sorry david glegg!

Tue, 2010-05-11 13:16 — MatthewBlott

David Miliband is not the man to lead Labour. Ideologically he is sound and I am far more comfortable with him than any of the others but his constant dithering over the leadership suggests he is far too timid for the job. If he can't stand up to Charlie Whelan et al how is he going to cope against Cameron, Murdoch and the rest of the Right?

Tue, 2010-05-11 13:26 — Reginald-Fah-fah

They way this hung parliament is playing out, my monies on Ed Balls!

Tue, 2010-05-11 13:51 — beak

Good luck with the chuckle brothers.

Tue, 2010-05-11 15:11 — Sue Davies (not verified)

Naively I thought that the Macintyre baiters would disappear when the election was over... Oh well, another disappointment.

Tue, 2010-05-11 15:18 — beak

Sorry to disappoint Sue

Sat, 2010-05-15 08:59 — Luddite.

If Labour elect either of the Miliband's. Labour's learned nothing.
From their greatest political kicking in modern English history. Let me explain, been brought up immersed in political dogma, never experiencing the real world these couple of political twits would be a disaster for Labour. New/Old Labour no longer have a place in English politics without the English working class and i mean that in the most racial terms possible. There is no Labour party. It's over for Labour. Without that much insulted and 'Bigoted' class. Labour's FINIHED!!!!