During Ed Miliband's time as Labour leader, he was subject to opposition from MPs in his own party as those in other parties. In fact, Miliband couldn't even rely on his own family for unconditional support, with his brother David -- who had lost out to Ed in the Labour leadership election -- seldom praising his performance.
Still, at least Ed can take heart that he's not the only Labour leader that his brother has little positive to say about. In an interview with ES Magazine, the former Foreign Secretary -- who quit UK politics to head up International Rescue in New York -- is scant on praise for Jeremy Corbyn:
“'He’s won his majority and the proof of the pudding is in the eating: how does he lead? Does he lead us into government? And that’s the overriding question, because if you’re not in government, then you are not fulfilling the fundamental aim of the political party: to change public policy for the benefit of the country that you serve.'
Miliband goes on to pointedly suggest that those who focus solely on values --- and in the process fail to take reality into account -- rarely make great politicians:
“'In politics it’s really important to know the difference between what you think exists and what is reality. The best politicians can see where the world is going and apply their values to it, not start with their values and then apply the facts. And you’ve got to get that ordering right.'
So, could Miliband -- who is still widely touted as a future Labour leader -- do any better? While the jury is still out, Labour members yet to succumb to Corbyn fever will be pleased to hear that Miliband has hinted at a return to the UK when asked if he would consider returning to Britain:
“'Yes, I can exclusively tell you that I cannot do this job forever and I will not do it forever.'
Should Labour's 'prince across the water' make a return to Britain before 2020, Mr S suspects he has a lot of catching up to do if he hopes to have a second stab at the Labour leadership.