Over to you Mr Cameron

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

An important part of being a credible opposition is seizing the initiative. It’s even better if you can make yourself look reasonable, statesmanlike and above (even if only for a moment) party politics. Ed Miliband hasn’t done this enough as Labour leader. In his pursuit of headlines, press coverage and credibility, attack is best – statesmanlike gestures are an unaffordable luxury.

And yet, as he returns from his brief honeymoon to face one of his darker hours as Labour leader, with the clouds gathering overhead, Miliband gave the kind of performance that might just remind his detractors why he became leader in the first place.

There was little bombast – there rarely is – and the pre-released comments on the NHS sounded like a rehash of attacks made just few weeks ago. But the offer of a cross-party solution on social care was smart politics from Miliband. It has the bipartisan feel that so infuriates politicos but soothes voters, and that’s important – but there’s a harder edge than he’s letting on. After all, we have been here before.

Just over a year ago, then health secretary Andy Burnham offered cross party talks on social care, and the huge challenges we face with an ageing population. Andrew Lansley backed away, preferring to launch an attack on Labour’s “death tax”. Once in government he prioritised dismantling the NHS over dealing with the looming social care crisis.

Miliband’s offer is one that Cameron should be rightly wary of. If he accepts, Miliband has taken the initiative. If he refuses, he’s playing politics with the lives of those in care. Either way, the Tories politicking on this issue before the election could become a live issue once again.

The ball is in your court Mr Cameron – how will you respond?