YouGov’s data is now out from the Sunday Times Labour leadership poll which forecasts Ed Miliband winning. The Labour party’s use of AV shows how perverse that electoral system can be.

• 44% think David Miliband “would be most effective, as leader of the opposition, at holding the present government to account”, versus 21% for his brother Ed.
• 55% think David “Is most likely to lead Labour to victory at the next General Election”, only 25% think Ed would do so.
• 45% think David “Would make the best Prime Minister” versus 28% for Ed.

Yet YouGov calculate Ed will just shade it on second preferences. Are they mad? Labour supporters think David Miliband is twice the leader his younger brother will be, yet they are going to choose the weaker candidate on second preferences. As Forrest Gump might say – “Stupid is as stupid does”…