Miliband: We won’t be distracted by polls
Labour aides have played down speculation of an early election after a memo emerged urging Gordon Brown to pursue a “shock and awe” election campaign.
Expectation had been mounting the prime minister could capitalise on his honeymoon period and announce an early general election at the Labour party conference.
But ally Ed Miliband, who has already been asked to write an election manifesto, said the party would not be distracted by opinion polls.
He said it was important not to get “carried away” by Labour’s poll lead, which puts Mr Brown up to nine points ahead of David Cameron.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s World at One, Mr Miliband said Mr Brown was not following the memo – even though commentators have pointed out the prime minister has carried out many of its recommendations.
“I gather [the memo] was written a couple of years ago. I do not remember it being discussed,” said Mr Miliband.
The Cabinet Office minister insisted Mr Brown was going to focus on his commitment to change and deliver improvements.
Mr Miliband said: “We’ve got a big job to do to show that on the issues that really matter – housing, health and education – we can make the changes that people want to see.
“We’ve made a good start, we’ve seen a fundamental reappraisal of the two party leaders, Gordon has shown substance and a sense of values and David Cameron’s been pretty exposed.
“But we’re not going to get carried away by the polls … It’s important to stay focused.”
Nevertheless, the Guardian reports Mr Brown has told senior ministers to prepare for a spring election.
London mayoral elections will be held on May 1 2008 and it is possible Mr Brown may decide to hold a general election on this date.
The newspaper claimed outside experts are being quietly approached to begin work on an election campaign and quoted a Cabinet minister who said “Gordon wants his own mandate”.
Labour insiders speculate an early election could provoke civil war among the Conservatives.
A poll on Conservativehome.com found 52 per cent of party activists no longer think Mr Cameron can win the next election, down from 77 per cent in January.
