Labour leadership

[Croydon Bob]

Is it me or does Ed look just a little surprised to have won?

I think that he has one of those faces where he looks surprised by everything.

The Tory press are claiming that David Miliband is furious at having lost, he might quit politics and join Steve and Glenn in the music industry.

[polomint38]

he might quit politics and join Steve and Glenn in the music industry.

Good joke Bob, cleary not yours as it is funny . Where did you get if from?

[chaggle]

I must be getting old - it took me ages to get it

[Pebble]

Introduction to the public:

I am not Blair
I am not Brown
I am not red
I am a leader

Inspiring stuff!

[smudge]

Introduction to the public:

I am not Blair

We get it!

I am not Brown

We get it!

I am not red

We get it!

I am a leader

Hmm..we shall see.....

[Harryprice]

I've never been a fan of David Milliband so I ought to be pleased he lost. Instead, I recognise how life has dealt him a cruel blow in the capricious way it can to anyone, anytime, no matter how powerful they are.

[Pebble]

Ed Miliband has 'come out' as an atheist - the first interesting thing so far!

[Tony Williams]

Ed Miliband has 'come out' as an atheist - the first interesting thing so far!

An early move to win Clegover - I mean, Clegg over.

[Bob Lloyd]

Ed Miliband has 'come out' as an atheist - the first interesting thing so far!

It's interesting that it's safe for him to say that, qualifying it by also saying that he has great respect for those people who do believe in god. Having respect for people rather than ideas is a very sound position providing you are also willing to subject those ideas to critical analysis, and for example get religion out of schools.

I can't see him opposing faith schools though given his comments on Radio 5 Live. So pushing for secular education is out, in which case what's the political value of him declaring his atheism? Just to sound radical.

Of course, in the present political climate in the New Labour Party, it's far more dangerous to talk about socialism, or in fact to talk about any political principles other than supporting the neoliberal agenda. We won't hear him talking about opposing the cuts, or a transaction tax on the business of hedge funds, or even greater regulation of banks (especially after they warned they'd flee the country if anyone tried to control them).

So it's a bit of radical spin (oh how radical to be an atheist) but absolutely nothing of political substance. That's what the Economist recognised, which is why they're confident he'll be no problem for the interests they represent.