Former British foreign secretary David Miliband today officially unveiled his bid to lead the Labour Party and called his brother and rival for the post “a huge talent”.
Mr Miliband (44) said Labour must “reform, repair and reconnect in Opposition” and that required new leadership.
Yet he praised the two leaders he hoped to follow, saying: “Tony Blair over 10 remarkable years and Gordon Brown, with historic courage, ability, insight, in three very difficult years have made Britain better.”
He vowed to leave behind the Blair-Brown rivalry, adding: “New Labour did fantastic things for the country, never let anyone take that away, but what counts is Next Labour.”
Speaking at the Customs House in his constituency of South Shields, South Tyneside, Mr Miliband spoke fondly of his Marxist father Ralph. “‘My oh my,‘ he must be thinking ‘what did I do wrong? Two MPs in a Labour cabinet’.”
The father-of-two added: “I’m proud of my brother too as someone of huge talent, really proud.”
The brothers have vowed to remain close despite being rivals for the Labour leadership. He said their mother, who believed passionately in causes, will have to abstain for the next few weeks.
In a 25 minute speech, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience and a hug from wife Louise, he stated he would run a clean campaign, without negative briefings against his rival candidates.
PA