It's probably a bit too early to start reviewing Ed Miliband as leader of the Labour Party. He's not been in the job for a full year after all. Let's give him until Labour Party conference in September before we really dissect him, at least. But it's certainly not too early to review Biteback's brilliant new biography of the man - ED: The Milibands and the Making of a Labour Leader.
'Shrewd, scrupulously researched and provides revelations on every page' says Peter Oborne in the Telegraph. That's jolly nice of you to say so Peter! Mehdi Hasan and James Macintyre 'tell in penetrating yet sympathetic detail the growing bitterness and sense of betrayal, leading up to a final breakdown of relations'. And Peter doesn't stop there: 'It provides the basis for any serious understanding both of Ed Miliband and the modern Labour Party.' There you have it. It's probably a good idea then to read this book first before giving Ed his review in September.
Over at the Observer Sunder Katwala had this to say about the authors: 'they take care to do a straight reporting job, painstakingly comparing the accounts of sources from all sides to unpack the history of what they call the "fratricide" of Miliband v Miliband.' And work hard they did. So much so that we at Biteback felt it was quite right to throw a big fat book launch to celebrate their work and the release of the book.
Tuesday last week we showed off the greatest view in London (that's the view from our office, by the way, I'm not sure we mention it enough...) to journalists, MPs, TV stars, union bigwigs and more all in the name of 'ED'. The night even saw blog-writer extraordinare Katy Scholes take on a new role as compere. Designer Nam felt the need to video this momentous occasion. Yes Katy, we have it all on tape. Luckily for Katy I'm a kind-hearted type and as she's away on holiday in the Middle East, totally defenceless to any jokes she may have to endure, I will save her modesty and not put it up on the blog. Katy, you now owe me at least one packet of biscuits in return.
ED: The Milibands and the Making of a Labour Leader is available on this website and also as an all-singing, all-dancing ebook on Amazon (disclaimer: it doesn't sing or dance).