The real battle begins tomorrow

So what’s all the fuss about today, then? Ah, yes, the election of the new Labour leader. We should know the result around 1640 this afternoon – but, this morning, most commentators are indulging in the idea that Ed has won it. The younger Miliband and his team said to be optimistic, his elder brother less so. At the very least, a remarkable turnaround has taken place. Just before the contest began, MiliD was some way ahead of his sibling in the bookies’ calculations. Now, Ladbrokes have suspended betting on MiliE.

What happens today, though, is in some respects less important than what happens tomorrow. Today will be the day for triumph and commiseration, for tubthumping speeches about taking Labour back into government. Tomorrow will be the day for a more microscopic look at what the new Labour leader believes, and where he wants to take his party.