Ed Miliband Emerges as Potential 'Unite the Left' Candidate for Labour Leadership
Ed Miliband is being positioned by supporters as a potential Labour leader candidate on a 'unite the Left' ticket that could involve collaboration with the Green Party. This move comes as the Green Party faces accusations of cosying up to Moscow due to its stance on NATO. Miliband's backers argue he should be the anti-Farage choice if Sir Keir Starmer is ousted following May's local elections, citing his stability and experience.
Polling Suggests Left-Wing Coalition Could Challenge Reform UK
According to recent polling data, if an election were held tomorrow, Labour would secure 19 per cent of the vote, with the Greens at 14 per cent. This combined total of 33 per cent would give a Labour-Green coalition a five-point lead over Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which polls at 28 per cent. Should the Liberal Democrats join this alliance, the three parties would collectively command 45 per cent of the vote.
In contrast, Reform and the Conservatives would also combine for 45 per cent, though both parties have ruled out any formal arrangement. This polling underscores the potential electoral impact of a united Left-wing front.
Green Party's NATO Stance Raises Concerns
The Green Party is considering advocating for UK withdrawal from NATO, with members set to debate the motion at their spring conference. Their leader, Zack Polanski, has declared that 'the age of NATO is now fully over' and cannot be reformed through cooperation with Donald Trump—a statement that has drawn criticism for potentially aligning with Kremlin interests.
Miliband Positioned as 'Safe' Option Amid Leadership Speculation
With Sir Keir Starmer's leadership under scrutiny, Labour MPs are increasingly promoting Miliband as a 'safe' and stable option. One MP noted, 'Strong and stable with Ed Miliband—think about it. We are in survival mode. It's about whether we can survive intact and blunt Reform.' Supporters highlight that Miliband's main controversy is his infamous 2014 bacon sandwich incident, with one saying, 'The only skeleton in Ed's cupboard is that he had trouble eating a bacon sandwich.'
Electoral Pact Rather Than Formal Coalition
Miliband has hinted at a pact rather than a formal coalition with the Greens and Liberal Democrats. This would involve standing down candidates in constituencies where a split Left-wing vote could allow the Conservatives or Reform UK to win. An MP explained, 'Ed is the perfect fit with today's political culture. Who would the Greens and the Lib Dems talk to on our side about some kind of electoral deal? They won't do that with Wes, nor I think with Angie.'
Contenders and Internal Dynamics
Other potential Labour leadership contenders face challenges:
- Angela Rayner is awaiting the outcome of an HMRC investigation into her tax affairs.
- Wes Streeting has been tainted by his association with Peter Mandelson.
- Andy Burnham, Manchester Mayor, was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election but remains hopeful of securing a seat.
Miliband has expressed willingness to work with Rayner or Burnham, with one MP stating, 'I know for a fact that Ed's position is: 'I won't stand in the way of Angela or Andy B. I will work with them.'' He is also seen as capable of bringing the Socialist Campaign Group, a Left-wing faction within Labour, into the fold.
Miliband's Denial and Future Prospects
Despite the speculation, Ed Miliband denies any leadership ambitions, having 'been there, got the T-shirt' after leading Labour to defeat in the 2015 General Election. However, sources suggest he might model himself on New York's Left-wing mayor, Zohran Mamdani, focusing on a cost-of-living platform including rent freezes and wealth taxes. As one MP concluded, 'It's not about leading us to a glorious victory in two and a half years time but rather, who can stabilise the ship and give us a fighting chance?'
