Ed Miliband, "Sir" Fred Goodwin and Sir John Rose  

When I voted for Ed Miliband I knew he would never be a stellar platform orator. But these days, is this so important? Are there other qualities that trump stardust and stage presence? For me, it was his willingness during the leadership contest to admit Iraq was a mistake. That marked him out from the rest of a timid field. When asked by Jon Snow about the personal qualities he brings to the job of Opposition Leader he cites authenticity. A good answer that reminds me of the theatrical performances of the actor Blair and also, I suppose, of Broon who struggled to present a public persona that was the polar opposite of the private one. Ed tells the Liverpool Conference that Fred the Shred’s knighthood was a mistake but stops short of saying it should be forfeited – as it should. If Fred had been a member of the Institute of Bankers he would have been thrown out. It...