Who tells Ed Miliband when he’s made a mistake?

Dan Hodges’ piece in this week’s Spectator on the team around Ed Miliband is a must-read (and we’ve posted an even longer version online here). As he runs through those working with the Labour leader, a clear pattern emerges. There doesn’t seem to be a Lynton Crosby equivalent working with Miliband. One of the many things that make Crosby so important to the Conservative party is his ability to swear at them and tell them they’re doing something wrong.

Miliband doesn’t have a Crosby-esque character in that respect. Instead, all those around him seem keen to either demonstrate that they are the most loyal, in a Uriah Heep-esque display of servility, or to bolster Miliband confidence.

One of the reasons for this is that Miliband doesn’t privately give his close colleagues the impression of great confidence. Humility certainly isn’t an attribute considered that attractive in Westminster and can perhaps be mistaken by those who don’t think it a sign of strength as low self-esteem or stupidity.