There is, meanwhile, a fascinating interview with Ed Miliband in the Independent on Sunday, in which the younger brother says he hopes to spend Christmas with David and "look back and laugh" at the "odd" leadership contest, whatever happens.

He confirms a point, made in my report on the brothers in this week's magazine, that he never expected to run against David. But once again, although he says he is "not measuring the curtains", he shows he is indeed in it to win it, and emphatically denies ever telling his brother he would not stand.

Ed Miliband also shows that -- contrary to the message put about by some of his critics -- he is ready to attack the government. And -- rightly, as I outlined at the time -- he accuses the Lib Dems of planning to "sell out" to the Tories during the coalition talks after talking tough on cuts.

Ed's partner is expecting their second baby -- another boy. And, asked whom he would back if the boys ever run against each other in politics, he jokes that he will be supporting Diane Abbott in her nineties. But, more seriously and more revealingly, he corrects that to say that he would recommend to his offspring to stay out of politics altogether.