Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Chuka Umunna tries to give backing to Ed Miliband, accidentally gives support to 'Dave'

Gaff came during an interview as he attempted to convince viewers Labour party members were behind struggling Labour leader

Rose Troup Buchanan
Monday 10 November 2014 07:53 EST
Comments
Chuka Umunna said although there had been voices of discontent about Ed Miliband's leadership they accounted for a “small minority”
Chuka Umunna said although there had been voices of discontent about Ed Miliband's leadership they accounted for a “small minority” (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chuka Umunna has mistakenly backed “Dave” Miliband for Number 10 shortly after voicing support for Ed Miliband.

In an interview with Sky News earlier this morning, Mr Umunna, attempting to dismiss fears surrounding Mr Miliband’s popularity, botched his lines after he said it was important “we get Dave, er Ed Milband, into Number 10”.

The gaff comes as the latest polls showed the Labour leader's popularity within the party continues to tumble.

Over the weekend senior Labour figures allegedly claimed that dissatisfaction had reached “critical mass” and that at least 20 twenty senior shadow ministers would break cover and call for Mr Miliband’s resignation were another candidate to put himself forward.

"We are a serious prospect for government after going down to our second worst defeat in history in 2010."

He went on: "If you look at the qualities that people attribute to Ed - a man of honesty, sincerity, deep beliefs - I don't believe that those are attributes that most people give to politicians but they certainly give it to our leader.

"That is because we are focusing on the issues that actually matter to people.

"We are not engaged in a game of political top trumps here. We are talking about people's lives."

Additional reporting by Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in