David Miliband was finally asked about the prospect of his younger brother throwing his hat into what could turn out to a brutal Labour leadership battle. His line is that “the most important thing for both of us is that the family remains strong” Almost identical to his view on the Labour movement.

Mummy Miliband is said to be aware of Ed’s intention to run, and while David may have the media buzz around his campaign, Ed is much more popular with the grassroots and is more liked by the deciding union voting bloc. AV is used in the contest and if Cruddas or David didn’t win outright in the  first round, Labour insiders are confident Ed would hoover up the second preferences and come through the middle. With Brown and Blair consigned to history, Clegg and Cameron seemingly very cosy, the Shakespearean personality battles of the past look set to be inherited by the next generation of the Labour Party. This could break a mother’s heart…

UPDATE : Miliband, D told The World at One that “brotherly love is more important than politics“.