Ed M: My relationship with David is healing

Ed Miliband has spoken about the “rapproachment” between him and older brother David since Labour’s election defeat in 2015, saying the relationship between the pair has improved with time.

Both Milibands stood to be leader of the party in 2010, with Ed’s victory being secured by a narrow margin following four rounds of preference votes being counted. Ed’s victory stemmed from the previous voting system used by the party, in which support from the unions gave him the edge over his brother.

Speaking to the Observer, the Doncaster MP said “The important thing for me about my relationship with David is that we talk, we do the family stuff, I love him as my brother, and it’s important to me and important to him. We may have different views on aspects of politics, but that’s one of those things. We talk. As time passes, it becomes easier.”

The former Labour leader spoke about the broader pressures on family relationships stemming from high political office.

“Political life is incredibly punishing on family. I have young children. I get to see my kids in a way that was just not … I’m present. Genuinely present, if you know what I mean? I’m present when I’m present. Whereas before I might have been absent when I was present.”

Reflecting on the 2015 General Election, Ed Miliband said he was using the experience to learn how to continue to make the case for progressive politics.

“I feel deeply sad that it didn’t happen for the country, but I am determined to use what has happened to learn and also to carry on making the case for the things I believe in. You know … the history of progressive politics is that you have setbacks.

“I do feel I’ve now gone through the hardest part. For me, personally, the hardest part was the period straight after the election and just trying to chart a new path.”

Both Milibands have made large interventions on the upcoming EU referendum. Ed has spoken out about the negative impacts of Brexit upon the UK’s ability to tackle climate change. David Miliband has recently re-emerged into the spotlight, warning on the “political arson” of Brexit, as well as counselling against Labour losing credibility in the eyes of voters.