Ed Miliband and Iraq

Ed Miliband's first speech to conference as Labour leader saw him signal a distinct break with the past.

The former energy and climate change secretary said it was wrong for chief executives to earn stratospheric salaries and for Labour to have reduced civil liberties. He also spoke out against the Iraq war.

That last view in particular prompted anger from his elder brother David, who came a close second in the leadership contest.

New Labour figures believe any move to the left makes the party unelectable, but many figures in the party think voters need a decisive break with the past if they are to put their faith in Labour again.

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

The Heathrow third runway debate

The UK falls behind in air capacity... but is the flight race worth the effort?

Is Heathrow's third runway the slowest U-turn of all time? Politics.co.uk looks at the issue no government dares to touch.

Britain's great energy debate

Turning up the temperature: Standard of living and action on  climate change don't make easy bedfellows

Can you tackle climate change without ruining our quality of life? Politics.co.uk takes an in-depth look at an issue with no easy solutions.

Opinion Former Events

Bpas event: Working Together for Women

Join bpas for an informal networking event which will provide an opportunity to talk to others looking to work together to effect policy changes to improve women’s lives and hear from speakers who are doing just that.