Ed Miliband wins the support of Kilmarnock’s top Labour duo

Aug 27 2010 by David Wynn, Kilmarnock Standard

LABOUR Party leadership hopeful Ed Miliband caused quite a stir when he stopped off in Kilmarnock last week.

The 40-year-old used part of his speech to local party members to launch a withering attack on the Liberal Democrats under the leadership of Nick Clegg.

Mr Miliband was quoted as saying he wanted ‘to make the Lib Dems an endangered species – and then extinct’.

His aggressive tact was criticised in some quarters but he still has the support of MP Cathy Jamieson and Holyrood hopeful Matt McLaughlin, who were impressed with what they saw at the Henderson Church hall.

Ms Jamieson said: “It was good to see Ed Miliband in Kilmarnock, taking time to listen to the concerns of local people as well as setting out his vision for the future. I've decided to back him after listening to all the leadership candidates, and watching how they perform in Westminster.

“We need a Leader who can inspire, who is a good parliamentary performer, and who will promote policies that matter to people. While all the candidates have skills and expertise to offer, Ed's approach has won my support because he is prepared to think radically.”

Ed Miliband is up against his brother David, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and Diane Abbott in the battle to replace Gordon Brown.

The winner will be announced on September 25 at the Labour Party conference in Manchester.

Matt McLaughlin, prospective Labour candidate for the next Scottish parliament election, added: “I had already declared my support for Ed Miliband before he made his visit to Kilmarnock. He spoke with conviction and passion on the living wage and the defence of public services. He also offered an insightful response to questions on the environment and Labour’s record in government. I wish him all the best with the rest of his campaign.”