Miliband weds partner Thornton in low-key civil ceremony

By politics.co.uk staff

Ed Miliband has said he is the "luckiest man in the world" after marrying long-term partner Justine Thornton in a low-key civil ceremony in Nottingham.

A small group of 50 family members and friends attended the ceremony, including brother David Miliband.

The Labour leader decided to skip the tradition of having a best man, however. It's just the latest non-traditional decision taken by Mr Miliband, who faced down calls for him to marry Ms Thornton until he decided the time was right.

Mr Miliband wore a slate blue suit while Ms Thornton opted for an ivory dress.

"Thanks for all the good wishes," Mr Miliband tweeted.

"Really looking forward to the day. Feel like the luckiest guy in the world to be marrying Justine."

Mr Miliband proposed to the environmental barrister on London's Primrose Hill, close to where they live with their two children.

Instead of gifts, the couple accepted donations for children's charity Barnardo's and to Methodist Homes for the Aged, where Ms Thornton's grandmother stayed for several years.

The couple will take a short five day honeymoon to an undisclosed location.

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