Ed Miliband: An opportunity for the party

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Today has been a momentous day for the Labour Party.

As Ed Miliband heads into the coming weeks, he’ll need to show the country his strengths, and his ability to lead. He put down a marker for that today, showing considerable strength, and that he can unite the party as we knuckle down to the hard work of opposition.

Ed represents a fresh start for Labour. He has a strong and coherent narrative that can help forge a new electoral coalition for change. He has a leadership style that’s inclusive and open, bringing together the talents from all sections of the party. We have in the past been riven by factionalism – now is an opportunity under Ed’s leadership to move beyond old labels and forge a new sense of purpose for the Labour Party, and with renewed resolve.

Expect over the coming days for Ed Miliband to be attacked by the press and by the coalition. He will be labeled a figure of the left, when he is nothing if not a candidate of the centre. As I said yesterday, none of Ed’s policies are outside of the mainstream. The criticisms will likely come thick and fast. They will be based on little. The living wage, jobs for young people, economic growth – none of these are anything but pragmatic, centre-ground politics. Ed’s job in the coming days will be to push back against false narratives that suggest anything else.

Ed’s election is an opportunity for the party to unite around a new leader. He’s a leader who can inspire us, who will attack this coalition, reconnect with the public – and win again for Labour.