27/03/2013

UK Politics 'Poorer' Without Milliband

David Milliband's decision to step down as an MP will leave UK politics "a poorer place", according to his brother, the Labour leader Ed Milliband.

David Milliband has announced he will be leaving politics to take on a new role running the International Rescue Committee in New York.

The 47-year-old former foreign secretary was beaten to the post of Labour leader by his brother in 2010.

David Milliband told his constituency party in South Shields: "I will forever be Labour. But after writing two election manifestoes in 1997 and 2001, and serving as a minister for eight years, I now have to make a choice about how to give full vent to my ideas and ideals."

In a statement on Wednesday, Ed Miliband said: "Having spoken to him a lot over the past few months, I know how long and hard he thought about this before deciding to take up the offer. I also know how enthusiastic he is about the potential this job provides.

"As for us, we went through a difficult leadership contest but time has helped to heal that. I will miss him. British politics will be a poorer place without David. But his huge talents will be serving people around the world. I hope and believe that at some point in the future he can once again make a contribution to British public life."

(IT)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 September 2010
David Miliband Says Party Now Has A "Great Leader"
In his latest speech to the Labour conference, David Miliband has said the party now has a "great leader" in his younger brother Ed. The shadow foreign secretary, added "I'll be fine" before calling for party unity and receiving a standing ovation.
29 September 2010
David Miliband To Set Out Future Plans
Former Foreign Secretary, David Miliband is due to make a statement regarding his future, later today. He has until 5pm to make a decision on whether to serve under his brothers Labour's leadership in the next shadow cabinet.
24 September 2010
Livingstone Wins Nomination
Ken Livingstone has polled 68.8% of the votes to win Labour's nomination for the 2012 London mayoral election. Mr Livingstone, who served two terms as London mayor between 2000 and 2008, defeated former MP Oona King in the election. He will now run against Conservative representative Boris Johnson.
30 September 2010
My Door Is Always Open, Says Labour Leader
New Labour Leader Ed Miliband has described his brother David's decision to step down from frontline politics as both "thoughtful and gracious." The former Foreign Secretary announced he was standing down because he did not want to distract the Labour party with talk of a split between him and his brother.
08 December 2005
Hague returns in Cameron’s shadow cabinet
Former Conservative leader William Hague will make his return to front line politics, following his appointment to new leader, David Cameron’s, shadow cabinet.