Miliband ‘more concerned about voters than rivals’

Labour party leader Ed Miliband speaks to workers at David Brown Gear Systems in Huddersfield, England. Picture: Getty

The Labour leader said the television showdown being staged in Salford is a “special opportunity” to set out his case to the country.

Former Labour spin chief Alastair Campbell has been playing the role of moderator during preparations for the debate.

But Mr Miliband joked: “Campbell should stick to his day job, whatever his day job turns out to be.”

During the question and answer session with an invited audience made up of Labour supporters and undecided voters, Mr Miliband added: “Obviously there will be seven leaders on the stage and it is a debate, but the most important people tonight are not the six other leaders, not the moderator, but the British people at home.”

The Labour leader was greeted at the private function room at the back of Bury town hall by a crowd of supporters, including a four-year-old girl, Jennifer Talbot-Bagnall, who presented him with some chocolate Easter treats. Her father, Jack, said she had been “really looking forward’ to meeting Mr Miliband.