Ed Miliband Defends Starmer and Calls for Labour 'Moment of Change'
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has issued a robust defence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a dramatic leadership crisis that threatened to destabilise the Labour government. In a series of media interviews, Miliband argued that yesterday's events must serve as a pivotal "moment of change" for the administration, urging greater clarity of purpose and a renewed focus on standing up for ordinary working people.
Leadership Turmoil and Rallying Support
The political landscape was shaken yesterday when Tim Allan's resignation and Anas Sarwar's declaration of no confidence briefly sparked speculation of a leadership coup against Keir Starmer. The situation was only defused after cabinet ministers and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner rallied around the Prime Minister, preventing a chaotic contest reminiscent of previous Tory infighting.
Miliband emphasised that Labour MPs had "looked over the precipice" following Sarwar's statement and decided unity behind Starmer was essential to avoid descending into disorder. However, he was unequivocal in his criticism of certain appointments, stating: "Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed to this post. We are a government whose central purpose, I believe, is to stand up for the powerless, not the powerful, and it undermines that."
Miliband's Vision for Labour's Future
During his appearance on the Today programme, Miliband asserted that the government's positive achievements were being "drowned out" by policy missteps, such as the controversial removal of winter fuel payments. He stressed that political survival depends on maintaining a clear sense of values and moral mission, which he believes Starmer embodies.
"For 20 years, this country has been run for the wealthy and powerful, not ordinary working people," Miliband declared. "And the manifestation of that is this long-term cost of living crisis. We exist to change that. That is our mission and everything must be consistent with that purpose."
He acknowledged public anger and a demand for "boldness" from political leaders, directly countering presenter Nick Robinson's suggestion that Starmer lacks this quality. "I know Keir well. I know somebody who is in politics for all the right reasons," Miliband insisted. "I'll tell you what angers Keir most about this country. It's class. It's the class divide ... He exists to change that."
Personal Ambitions and Government Agenda
While Miliband's passionate defence often seemed to reflect his own beliefs as much as Starmer's, he firmly dismissed any leadership aspirations of his own, quipping: "Tried that, got the t-shirt." His comments underscore a broader call for the Labour government to refocus on its core mission amid internal tensions.
The political agenda remains busy, with Starmer chairing a political cabinet meeting this morning, while Energy Secretary Miliband faces Commons questions at 11:30am. Other notable events include a lobby briefing at Downing Street, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham speaking at a Resolution Foundation conference, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley giving evidence to the home affairs committee.
As the government navigates this period of reflection, Miliband's intervention highlights the urgent need for Labour to reconnect with its values and address the deepening class divides that continue to shape British society.
