Mirror throws its weight behind David Miliband
by Peter Wozniak
The Daily Mirror has officially endorsed David Miliband as the best prospect for defeating the coalition government at the next election.
The move comes as Labour members receive their ballot papers to vote in the leadership election.
The Mirror, traditionally a Labour-supporting newspaper, argued that the shadow foreign secretary “has the intellect, talent and experience to take on the Tories – and eventually become PM”.
The race for leader is now expected to come down to the two Milibands, with the contest between them over the future direction of the party having become more fractious over the past week.
The paper said: “Backing Mr Miliband has not been an easy decision. All five candidates have something to offer.
But all Labour supporters agree on one thing: the party must reconnect with the people. The Mirror firmly believes David Miliband is the man to steer Labour to this recovery.”
Given the unpredictable nature of the election because of the complex voting system involved, the candidates will continue to attempt to rake in as many votes as possible.
Support from the only consistently pro-Labour national newspaper will do David Miliband’s chances little harm.
