The Flirtatious Mr Miliband

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Ed Miliband held the first of what are being billed as monthly press conferences today, as he continues to ramp up his efforts after paternity leave. Of particular interest was Ed’s offer to “ashamed” Liberal Democrats to work with Labour on the formulation of new policies – something which he has of course already encouraged Labour members to do. But this wasn’t a threat. It would be all too easy to goad Lib Dems and warn that they will be crushed in May 2011. Those who do not know this already will learn the hard way. What Ed was attempting this morning was more subtle, and perhaps more fruitful – he continued his flirtation with them.

Not of course those most severely tainted by their brief but painful period in government. Mr Miliband wasn’t wooing Clegg, Cable or Huhne. Instead his words were aimed at the grassroots of the party. “You don’t like the Tories? That’s fine – tell us your fears about us, we’re changing”, he seems to be saying. Drawing in the footsoldiers that deliver the leaflets and make the Lib Dems tick.

This was clearly not an ad-lib from Miliband. This was part of a co-ordinated strike on the Lib Dems at a time when (post-tuition fees u-turn) they are at their weakest. Yesterday Miliband told the Sunday Times, “We recognise there are people in the Liberal Democrats who are dismayed” and today Jackie Ashley (entirely coincidentally I’m sure) wrote about the importance of angry Lib Dems to Labour’s future.

Of course this refrain isn’t new from Ed – he was doing this back in August – but the real question is how much value does this strategy have? After all, the Lib Dems are in single figures in the polls, and 51% of those who put them in office want a Labour government.

Perhaps Miliband is trying to peel off what’s left of their centre-left membership? Or perhaps he’s trying to end them as a national party. Either way, it’s rubbing salt in Lib Dem wounds – expect a sustained backlash.