Phil Woolas Backs David Miliband

Phil Woolas. He wants David Miliband to be Labour's next leader.

Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas has said he’s backing David Miliband’s bid for the Labour leadership. Mr Miliband is the early favourite to take over from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who resigned as party leader this week.

Mr Woolas is quoted in today’s Chronicle praising Mr Miliband’s “intelligence, leadership and politeness.” The pair previously worked closely together as ministers on local government issues.

Mr Miliband, who was a key aide to Tony Blair and later served as Foreign Secretary, is so far the only candidate to formally enter the contest. He’s likely to face competition from senior Brownite Ed Balls, ex-Health Secretary Andy Burnham, left-winger Jon Cruddas and possibly his own brother Ed Miliband. Caretaker leader Harriet Harman has said she won’t be standing.

When Gordon Brown became Labour leader in 2007, Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher was one of two left-wing candidates who attempted to challenge him, but couldn’t get enough support among fellow MPs to enter the contest. Mr Meacher has not yet said who he will be backing this time.

With Labour leaving office this week, Mr Woolas is no longer the Immigration Minister. He held the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency by just 103 votes in last week’s general election.

You can read more in the Chronicle article here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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