10 pieces of advice for Ed Miliband

By Michael Payne

Following Labour Party Conference 2010 here are my top ten pieces of advice to our new leader Ed Miliband MP:

1. If elected (likely), appoint Yvette Cooper shadow chancellor
Yvette’s quick analysis of Osborne’s first budget as chancellor was impressive. Yvette has a strong grasp of the impact Osborne’s budget and likely catastrophic comprehensive spending review will have on women and children in particular. An intelligent, empathetic and authentic woman leading our fightback on economic policy would resonate with the electorate.

Also placing Yvette in this post prevents causing political trouble for yourself in the future (as is likely to happen if you promote someone else over Eb Balls to shadow chancellor).

2. Ensure the ‘new generation’ is part of a unified party – bring together all generations to blend experience with fresh thinking
Your message on a ‘new generation’ taking charge of Labour is a strong one and bound to resonate with the younger generation, particularly those who feel disillusioned with issues like Iraq and tuition fees (demonstrated by the c.3,000 new members joining since your election). But Labour will only develop a strong fightback by utilising the many generations within our party. The ‘new generation’ has lots to learn from older generations in our party; learning from their success and their mistakes. Don’t overdo the ‘new generation’ message, although not intended you risk alienating sections of the electorate and party.

3. Respect others’ roles & responsibilities within the party but do not take your eye off the party’s finances
When it comes to our finances the buck must stop with you. Work closely with the party treasurer and staff to ensure we quickly bring our finances under control. Where there is no money we must be innovative and utilise community organisation rather than spending money we don’t have and in doing so drive ourselves into further debt.

4. Ensure long-term political and financial commitment to David’s ‘Movement for Change’ initiative
When meeting the Project Board of ‘Movement for Change’ you must ensure that Labour utilises this impressive community organising initiative. It is vital that you mainstream this initiative within the party and across the country – we will need activists connected with local communities to rebuild our base at the local elections and then the next general election after our wipeout in previous local elections.

5. Build on Alistair Darling’s deficit reduction plan and be honest with the country on Labour’s proposed plan very soon
Alistair Darling’s deficit reduction plan was and is credible; now is your opportunity to make clear Labour’s position on economic policy in order to regain control over the debate on cuts, taxes and spending.

Increasing taxes may be an option but we must be cautious and think this through carefully; our previous track record of over-reliance on increased taxes did not prove successful throughout the 1980s and those who advocate raising taxes are always talking about the taxes of someone else – never their own.

6. Be proud of our achievements in government
Just before your speech at conference a video was shown of our achievements in government, of which there are many to be proud of.

You have a new opportunity to talk up our greatest achievements, which have changed this country for the better.

7. Appoint Alan Johnson to shadow Nick Clegg as Deputy PM
Alan Johnson is our best performer in the media and the public like him. His responsible yet effective style will endear him to disillusioned Lib Dems and his experience in many of the top jobs in government mean he will give Clegg a real run for his money.

Alan will also be wise counsel to you throughout your leadership and help provide the unity your top team will need to display.

8. Begin to build a broad and strong Labour campaign for YES to AV
Labour must honour its manifesto pledge on AV. Although it is by no means acceptable or perfect that the ConDems have pinned boundary changes and a possible reduction in MPs to the AV referendum Bill, Labour must campaign on these political issues separately but support the YES campaign for AV.

9. Iraq is not the most important issue facing the UK – stick with your concept of optimism and a vision for the future beyond deficit reduction
You have made your point on Iraq but remember the reality is that our Labour government supported the war and we are still there at the moment. We cannot continue to fuel a lengthy internal debate on Iraq and besides a lengthy debate on Iraq (however contentious) will not be a vote winner; UK citizens are faced with difficult enough challenges at home.

You must practice what you you preach and be an optimist – a positive vision for a positive future beyond the spending review and cuts is what people want to hear and will inspire voters to support you.

10. Ensure our talented women MPs are given senior roles in the shadow cabinet
We are the only political party that is committed to gender balance amongst our MPs; you must ensure that the shadow cabinet reflects the immense talent we have amongst female MPs in our party. Regaining the women’s vote will be crucial if we are to win a majority at the next general election.

Michael Payne also blogs at here.