Westminster is abuzz with speculation that Ed Miliband is the frontrunner to become the next Chancellor of the Exchequer, a perception he seemed to embody with a newly confident stride into the House of Commons for energy questions.
A New Swagger and a Defence of Labour's Tax Policy
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero entered with a noticeable bounce in his step, a self-assured gait that commentators compared to a 'dude walk'. His broad smile was on full display, suggesting a politician pleased with his party's position and his own rising stature. This transformed demeanour set the stage for a notably combative session.
The confrontation was ignited by Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson. She challenged the government's £150 reduction on energy bills, quipping that socialists often take money from people only to expect gratitude for returning a portion. She demanded to know the true cost to the taxpayer.
Miliband's response was electric and pointed. He reared up, emphatically stating he was "proud of the fact that in the Budget we raised taxes on the wealthy so we could cut bills for millions of families." He accused the Conservatives of running the country "for the wealthy and powerful," a starkly political attack that signalled a clear direction for potential future fiscal policy.
Energy Promises and a Noisy Performance
New Tory frontbencher Bradley Thomas then pressed Miliband on Labour's election pledge to cut energy bills by £300, noting that bills are currently £190 higher than when Labour took office. Miliband, growing increasingly animated, insisted bills were going to be lower and jabbered about the government 'delivering on the cost-of-living crisis'.
His performance was notably loud and physically expressive, stabbing long index fingers at the despatch box and cackling scorn at opponents. The volume was so intense that his deputy, Michael Shanks, later reported he had temporarily lost hearing in one ear—an incident that prompted jests about Treasury officials needing earplugs should Miliband take the role.
Parallel Inquiry into Police Football Ban
Elsewhere in Westminster, a separate drama unfolded at the Home Affairs Select Committee. Four senior police officers were questioned over the decision to ban Israeli football fans from a match in Birmingham. MPs probed whether anti-Jewish political pressure influenced the move, which was firmly denied.
The officers defended their actions with a barrage of operational jargon, including references to 'intelligence bronze commanders' and 'weekly sit reps'. Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, maintained a steady smirk throughout, insisting his force had done nothing wrong.
Miliband's bullish Commons display, brimming with taxation rhetoric and political signalling, combined with the contentious police inquiry, painted a picture of a political landscape heating up. His evident comfort discussing Treasury matters suggests he is already preparing for a role that could have significant implications for the UK's economic direction.
