An edgy party waits to see if Miliband can make a connection with the British public
Inevitably, it comes back to leadership. David Cameron is far more popular than his party. Ed Miliband is far less popular than his. This disparity undoubtedly reflects the Prime Minister’s personal authority on the one hand, and the failure – thus far – of Miliband to cut through to the public. The past few months have showcased the strengths and weaknesses of Miliband. He called the News International phone hacking scandal absolutely right. He stood up against Murdoch before it was clear he would be so damaged – and was the first to say that the BSkyB bid should be dropped, along with Rebekah Brooks. This gained him praise in the Commons, and amongst the commentariat. But it was a victory noticed by insiders rather than voters.
He followed this triumph with a misjudged response to the riots. The morning after looting in London started he should have been demanding that the army were mobilised. Instead, when he finally intervened in the debate he sounded unfortunately like a social work team leader. This mis-step was far more visible than the triumph over hacking. The British people were watching their leaders responding to the rioting. And, despite waiting four days to come home from holiday, it was Cameron who spoke for the country.
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Hide AdThis week Miliband has to connect to Middle England. He has the analysis – his phrase “squeezed middle” has a resonance with families facing declining living standards. What he needs now is empathy. Can he find the language to sketch out a credible vision of the economy and society with a Labour government? If he can, game on. If he can’t, game over. That’s why Labour is nervous.