So now we know for sure - David Miliband and his little brother Ed, really have fallen out in a big way.
A couple of years ago, everyone happily assumed that it would be David who who emerged as the new leader of the Labour party following Gordon Brown's departure. Instead, it was little brother Ed who got the job, courtesy of an electoral system which gave the ultimate power of selection to the Trade Unions. David promptly took umbrage and departed to the back benches with his bat and ball. Today, despite reported overtures from his brother for him to return to a high profile role, he's taken the final step and announced his resignation form his Parliamentary seat; as if this wasn't enough, he's even decided to leave the country and will be taking up a job as a bigwig in some charity in the USA.
Those of an age can well remember the 'great sulk' of Ted Heath after his ousting from the leadership of the Conservative party by Margaret Thatcher in 1975. Unlike Miliband, Heath remained in Parliament and was a constant thorn in the side of his successors; Heath never forgave his party for sacking him and spent decades as an embittered man on the back benches. Miliband has, at least, decided against such childish behaviour though the overall nature of his departure seems somewhat excessive and probably calls into question his true commitment to the political life of the United Kingdom.
From a Tory viewpoint, one Miliband down, one to go. Oh that Cameroon and Osborne would choose to follow the same path.
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