July 30, 2008
Deciphering David Miliband’s intentions
Those outside the Westminster village may be bemused that an op-ed (today’s Guardian) on Labour’s future could be seen as a statement of leadership intent.
David Miliband’s language is carefully coded.
No such doubts exist here though. There are the omissions (no mention of Gordon Brown), the timing (he could have kept his head low) and the criticisms (he says Labour could have done more to improve the NHS).
The rumour is that Number 10 feels betrayed. The word “traitor” has cropped up in conversation.
My colleague Sue Cameron, whose Whitehall contacts are unmatched, writes in this morning’s FT that Miliband should wait instead of risking “doing a Hague”.
The 43-year old looked defensive this afternoon, saying: “I think that my article today was a challenge to David Cameron and not a challenge to Gordon Brown.”
Changing leader now, will guarantee the election of the Tory PR machine. An astute Labour politician would aim to take over from Gordon Brown following 2010 either as saviour of the Labour party or natural successor at number 10. David Miliband is making that pitch by galvanising the party now, so that he is seen as saviour or successor next term.
Posted by: Michael Parker | July 31st, 2008 at 7:48 am | Report this comment