David Blackburn

Miliband the hero

Garlands go to the conqueror. The Observer has interviewed Ed Miliband about his response to the News International crisis, and it’s as if Caesar has returned home after crushing the traitor Pompey.

Miliband told the Spectator in an interview with James Forsyth in this week’s magazine that Murdoch’s spell on British politics has been broken. He reiterates that sentiment with the Observer and adds that Murdoch’s endorsement will be a “double-edged sword at the next election”. When speaking to James he was careful to insist that there was nothing personal in his burgeoning crusade against Murdoch; he is not so careful now.  “I think he has too much power over British public life,” he said and vowed to break up Murdoch’s media empire.

This is a stark spiel from a man who was quaffing Murdoch’s champagne just a few weeks ago. But, Miliband has been ahead of the game on this issue, much as David Cameron was during the MPs’ expenses crisis. Who knows why David Cameron dithered as Miliband struck, but it is the latter who looks decisive and armed with a strong voice of moral leadership. Despite that, it’s worth noting that Miliband still trails Cameron in leadership polls.

Unlock unlimited access, free for a month

then subscribe from as little as £1 a week after that
SUBSCRIBE

Miliband is determined to sustain the little momentum he has built. To that end, Miliband says that the Murdochs are just the start of the necessary renewal he envisages for British public life.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading with a free trial

Subscribe and get your first month of online and app access for free. After that it’s just £1 a week.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

Or

Unlock more articles

REGISTER

Comments

Don't miss out

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. Subscribe to leave a comment.

Already a subscriber? Log in