It’s been reported that David Miliband will give a speech today announcing his intention to run for the Labour leadership. He received a boost this morning after Alan Johnson ruled himself out of the race and endorsed Miliband.
James Purnell is expected to act as his campaign manager and serve as his chief of staff if he wins the contest. While his poor relations with the trade union movement, which holds a third of the votes in Labour’s electoral college, remain a disadvantage, it is clear that the momentum is with Miliband.
Meanwhile, there is growing pressure on Jon Cruddas to run as the standard-bearer of the centre left, though I wouldn’t rule out a “dream ticket” between him and Miliband. The pair remain close, having worked together for four years as aides to Tony Blair, and a partnership with Cruddas could dramatically enhance Miliband’s standing with the left of the party.
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