Ed Miliband arrives for his leader

Ed Miliband and Iraq

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.