James Wharton is having some fun with Ed Miliband this afternoon, mailing the Labour leader badges declaring support for a referendum:

“I was interested to read in the Mail on Sunday on 4 June that half of the Shadow Cabinet supports this move.

I am grateful for their support and hope you might relax your whip requiring them to stay away on Friday and instead allow them to attend and back the Bill.

Sheryl Murray, the excellent MP for South East Cornwall, has produced campaign badges that can be worn by supporters of the Bill. I am afraid though that the Mail on Sunday article did not identify who in your shadow cabinet supports and who does not. I enclose 14 badges with this letter, enough for half of the Shadow Cabinet, with one extra for you to wear should you decide to lead on this issue rather than running away from it! It might help you to put the accusations of weakness that have dogged your leadership behind you – I know this would be helpful.

Please let me know if you require any more, I would be happy to ask Sheryl to make them and hope to see you on Friday.”

Cheeky…