Nick Thomas takes a look at the Labour Party leader and his 2013 so far
To a relatively distant observer, Ed Miliband has long struggled to shrug off the cloud of fratricide and the burdens of his links to resistant unions during a period of 'necessary' budget austerity. The press have been equally critical. Miliband's 2011 nose operation was branded as an attempt to 'make his voice less nasal' whilst his party, since his election in 2010, has been branded as lacking policy and direction. In short, Ed Miliband's 3 years in power have not been a glorious ascent in the polls, whilst a Conservative Prime Minister presiding over the most vicious austerity since World War Two remains just one percent behind Miliband in the highly respected ICM "Wisdom Index."
a political "vulture" forever the "negator of the unpopular actions of the fathers
Until September, 2013 was looking no better for Ed Miliband. The UK economy appears to be moving in a vaguely positive direction. This is better than many other developed economies, and is the stalwart of Conservative policy that will be crucial to the 2015 General Election. Miliband's high profile spat with union members regarding automatic contributions towards the party was a sign of internal strife better left private. Finally, Ed Miliband's stance on the Syria vote in the Commons was viewed by many as a knee-jerk opposition to David Cameron despite the vote being a defining moment in British foreign policy. Indeed, David Aaronovitch went so far to describe him a political "vulture" forever the "negator of the unpopular actions of the fathers."
However, for many, the September conferencing season brought a change to British politics that has been long awaited, and began the drawing of battle lines for the 2015 general election. To the table, Miliband brought a raft of inexpensive, popular and stridently left-wing policies that appear to have wide popular support. The centrepiece was the 20 month freeze on energy bills that Miliband claimed would save families £120 per year. A cut on taxes to small businesses balanced by an increase on corporation tax towards big businesses was another socially democratic offering from the Conference.
However, for many, the September conferencing season brought a change to British politics that has been long awaited, and began the drawing of battle lines for the 2015 general election. To the table, Miliband brought a raft of inexpensive, popular and stridently left-wing policies that appear to have wide popular support. The centrepiece was the 20 month freeze on energy bills that Miliband claimed would save families £120 per year. A cut on taxes to small businesses balanced by an increase on corporation tax towards big businesses was another socially democratic offering from the Conference.
his key message is demonstrated by his call to the "squeezed middle" of Britain
These quantifiable and popular policies begin to demonstrate the stance Miliband will take into the next election. However, his key message is demonstrated by his call to the "squeezed middle" of Britain. Miliband refused to refer directly to the current austerity reforms that are aimed at reducing the deficit created by the Labour government of 1997 - 2010. This is a battle that he has lost decisively for 3 years, and was destined to lose as the economic outlook continues to improve.
Instead, Miliband, changed the terms of the debate, and focused upon the current situation for middle-income families facing a 'personal recession' as wages stagnate and prices and living costs rise. He suggested that the current 'recovery' was forgetting their interests, and that recovery focused on vague growth figures rather than the individual plight of British people struggling to pay energy and food bills .
If anything, Miliband's efforts at the 2013 Conference earned the party publicity and encouraged debate far better than has been seen before. Miliband's attack on the energy companies and also on land speculators sitting on undeveloped land demonstrated an intention for Labour to be interventionist when the situation demanded it. Some commentators now furiously demonstrate just how oligarchic and inefficient the energy market is, supporting of significant reform of the sector. Conversely, others have attempted to demonstrate the 'socialist' tendencies of 'Red Ed' and the unavoidable path towards 1970s malaise. Crucially, however, Miliband is currently a hot topic in UK politics, and is partly dictating the debate.
Miliband appeared to put the Conservatives on the back foot by partly dictating the direction of their own conference. Miliband attacked Cameron in his own speech, as an opposition leader must. However, in reaction, Cameron was forced to mention Labour 25 times in his own speech. The national leader should not necessarily feel forced to recognise the opposition party or leader. Here, Cameron undoubtedly was.
Instead, Miliband, changed the terms of the debate, and focused upon the current situation for middle-income families facing a 'personal recession' as wages stagnate and prices and living costs rise. He suggested that the current 'recovery' was forgetting their interests, and that recovery focused on vague growth figures rather than the individual plight of British people struggling to pay energy and food bills .
If anything, Miliband's efforts at the 2013 Conference earned the party publicity and encouraged debate far better than has been seen before. Miliband's attack on the energy companies and also on land speculators sitting on undeveloped land demonstrated an intention for Labour to be interventionist when the situation demanded it. Some commentators now furiously demonstrate just how oligarchic and inefficient the energy market is, supporting of significant reform of the sector. Conversely, others have attempted to demonstrate the 'socialist' tendencies of 'Red Ed' and the unavoidable path towards 1970s malaise. Crucially, however, Miliband is currently a hot topic in UK politics, and is partly dictating the debate.
Miliband appeared to put the Conservatives on the back foot by partly dictating the direction of their own conference. Miliband attacked Cameron in his own speech, as an opposition leader must. However, in reaction, Cameron was forced to mention Labour 25 times in his own speech. The national leader should not necessarily feel forced to recognise the opposition party or leader. Here, Cameron undoubtedly was.
Ed Miliband, by standing against the established press, arguably demonstrated his leadership credentials
Miliband's finest moment came when he accused Cameron of being "always weak when it comes to standing up against the strong," a direct reference to Conservative lobbying issues and pro-business policies. This tied in perfectly with his populist yet vague policies relating to the Britain’s "squeezed middle." For now, cuts will always be an argument that Labour and Miliband lose. By changing the debate to one regarding the cost of living, Miliband offers Labour a realistic chance.
Miliband's leadership was tested a final time in September when the Daily Mail printed a typically provocative story regarding Miliband's Marxist father Ralph. After exercising his right to reply, the tide of opinion appears to have turned against the Daily Mail. Most would have preferred that the article was never printed. However, Ed Miliband, by standing against the established press, arguably demonstrated his leadership credentials.
Ed Miliband took a huge step in September by giving the Labour Party a clear direction for 2015 whilst demonstrating his capabilities as opposition leader. Miliband judged the mood of the country well, by focusing on the fundamental costs of necessities for British people, and highlighting that there was a massive problem. Wage stagnation, in the face of rising costs, is a grave concern for a large majority of the UK population. A little extra for British families each month will comfort them far more than vague growth figures. Miliband must now demonstrate he has not only some of the populist credentials of an opposition leader, but the sensible policies and stature of a potential Prime Minister.
Miliband's leadership was tested a final time in September when the Daily Mail printed a typically provocative story regarding Miliband's Marxist father Ralph. After exercising his right to reply, the tide of opinion appears to have turned against the Daily Mail. Most would have preferred that the article was never printed. However, Ed Miliband, by standing against the established press, arguably demonstrated his leadership credentials.
Ed Miliband took a huge step in September by giving the Labour Party a clear direction for 2015 whilst demonstrating his capabilities as opposition leader. Miliband judged the mood of the country well, by focusing on the fundamental costs of necessities for British people, and highlighting that there was a massive problem. Wage stagnation, in the face of rising costs, is a grave concern for a large majority of the UK population. A little extra for British families each month will comfort them far more than vague growth figures. Miliband must now demonstrate he has not only some of the populist credentials of an opposition leader, but the sensible policies and stature of a potential Prime Minister.