No way back for Miliband

Kevyn Bodman

Miliband could have stood against Brown last year but didn't have the cojones.
He didn't think he was ready then, maybe. But a year later having done not very much as Foreign Secretary he can't make a credible claim that he is ready now.

His behaviour suggests he would disagree with me on that.
But he still doesn't have the cojones.
One option open to him is to resign from the Cabinet now, and that's what any minister can do should they think that Brown really is no good for the country.

But I'm fantasising.

Paul B

Personally, this is one fight I would like to see Brown win. I will enjoy seeing Brown put down the little geek, in a particularly bruising fashion, somewhat akin to one of the Ali v Fraser battles. It will be fun to watch, and if Brown were to win, he will certainly be further damaged. For Tory's its head we win, tails they lose.

This is fun

Cally

He would have thought this through and his decision to do the most media he has ever done in two days while Brown is nowhere to be seen is clearly calculated. Also in a recent interview Blair said he is in regular touch with 'David', he'll obviously be involved in this behind the scenes.

Alex

Has Brown got the authority to say to Millipede - sorry Miliband, "go now, and go gracefully"? .... effectively stopping this debacle dead in the water.

barry

The economy is falling apart, public services are at breaking point, and these nit wits think it clever to engage in this self indulgent nonsense.

If they want an election, lets have one ine which everyone can vote...it's called a general election

Jumbo O'Reilly

Has anyone else noticed that Milliband appears to come from Planet Redwood? In terms of looks, speech and ability to connect with Joe Public, rather than political beliefs (obviously).

Tina

Looks like 'thoroughly modern Milli' is gearing up for the fight in September. The Times website are reporting he has cancelled a planned four day trip to India that was for the beginning of Sept. It's all fonna kick off.....can't wait.

Tory supporter

Why is Brown lying so low? No-one has seen sight nor sound of him since a few days ago. One could be forgiven for thinking he is missing in action. Meanwhile Miliband is all over the media, signing autographs etc

Labour Member

Fraser,

Gordon is too weak to sack DM - because he knows if he does (at least) half the cabinet will walk with him.

Therefore his strategy will be to get proxies to attack him by fair means and (mostly) foul. But in doing so he'll only weaken himself further.

But you are right about one thing. For every Brownite escalation there must be a robust Miliband reply.

What do they say in the Untouchables? They put one of yours in the hospital, you put one of theirs in the morgue.

Max Kaye

Looks like there is some movement: check out thisfrom The Times.

Richard

The Milibandwagon rolls on. Apparently he's cancelled his trip to India later this month and his people are starting rumours that he might be about to resign in order to start collecting signatures.

It'll be hilarious if he does resign but can't get 45 MP's to back him by the conference...

Simon

I don't believe that Milliband will carry the party with him. He lacks the common touch to connect with the core support - let alone bring back the lost support.

He is weak and without principle. His green posturing is political not heartfelt.

What has he achieved at the FCO? Can anyone really point to a foreign policy success?

He isn't liked by his parliamentary colleagues. He doesn't have a public profile.

I don't believe that he is a potential prime minister - certainly not at this stage in his political life.

Daniella

On the 5live show callers were friendly to Miliband even the ones who were hostile about Labour or policy. All the ire was directed at Brown, showing that maybe if he goes some if not all are willing to go back to the fold.

Miliband won't be the pushover for Cameron that Brown is. For one his style is more relaxed, normal and friendly, very much like Cameron's. Can you imagine Brown doing as well on 5live as Miliband? Also Milband made references to protectionist policies like Obama is pursuing in the US and policies like a windfall tax on energy companies. This would leave Cameron defending the rich and big business.

Alice

Agree with Daniella, Miliband is the complete opposite to Brown. On radio five live he said this curious line:

'We have the POTENTIAL to connect with the voters...'

David

Danielle, there's nothing normal or friendly about the man at all. He's weird and smug, and that's about it.

Chris Paul

There is a third or fourth way here. GB must co-opt Miliband as his trusted Junior lieutenant, someone that Brown will nurture for another year or two before he is ready, but who is wonking away usefully, on GB's orders in the meantime.

Now is probably not the time for a change. Unless new leader can turn the euro elections next year into a triumph and turn the economic corner very deftly waiting 9-12 months would be wise.

And if Gordon is in good shape then waiting until after the election before taking charge has its attractions.

Trumpeter Lanfried

As someone said, in another context, 'A pity they can't both lose.'

On second thoughts, I suppose they could.

Elizabeth Elliot-Pyle

Now then, I will have no rude references to John Redwood. Have you read his blog: Johnredwoodsdiary? He talks so much common sense and well thought out opinions.
As to Milliband... why does he not have the courage of his convictions and launch a leadership challenge? All this ducking and weaving is shamefull.
So unlike our dear John Redwood.

Nick

Isn't this the bloke that disappeared when the King of Saudi Arabia came on a State Visit? A bit like Macavity... Untrustworthy and utterly useless

Anoneumouse

"The leadership contest concept, which consisted in removing Gordon Brown and replacing him with a David Miliband, is abandoned"

Silent Hunter

Read the responses on his Guardian thread..........that will tell you all you need to know about his popularity.

After 2010.........you will be able to count the number of Labour MP's on one hand.....if Millipedes thread is anything to go by.

People have already made up their mind.........they universally HATE Labour.

Roger Thornhill

Last year I do not think it was a matter of cojones, but good solid political sense not to stand. I despise Miliband as an oleaginous Federast but he is no dummy - far from it.

I do suspect Gordon will sack or demote him and that will kick off an almighty rift that could end up splitting the entire Labour Party. It is about time - they need to be two parties, a deluded Socialist Party and a Social Disingenuous, I mean Democratic Party. The latter could face the indignity of having to merge with the LibDems if that manages to become the second largest party in the house (driven by the desire of the ex Labour to have a better chance at the trough). Once that happens I suspect the LibDems will re-split due to centrifugal forces.

Why not? They've probably got 12 years from now before a chance at Government - best get it over with!

Ken

Watch, within the next 5 years people will be asking David Milliwho? The lad's a political teenager, he and Ed NoCojones should go play marbles.