You’ll have to get hold of a copy of the magazine to read Amber Elliott’s feature exploring what the Movement for Change, but here’s a taster of what its founder, David Miliband, had to say about the organisation, his role in it, and how he sees his future in politics.
On going from the global stage to hyperlocal community organising: “It’s definitely a journey,” Miliband admits, “definitely a change, but a very welcome one. I’ve spent 20 years working in government for the people. This is about government by the people. That’s very refreshing, very enhancing.”
“It gave me an important outlet for my passion for electing Labour Party governments, given that I wasn’t going to be in the shadow cabinet,” he explains. “It was a good way for fulfilling my passion to make the Labour Party a relevant, powerful, electable organisation that lived up to the best of its potential. But if you’re suggesting that it’s providing me with a family I didn’t have, then no.”
On accusations of a lack of commitment to winning the leadership: “That’s nonsense,” Miliband retorts. “I’m proud I did it and I would do it again. It’s a very important part of my politics that we’re a movement, not just a machine. When we are a machine, we lose. We’ve got to become a movement again if we want to win. And I want us to win.”
On the movement’s role in Labour’s future: “It’s necessary for the return of a Labour government, but not sufficient for the return of a Labour government. Over the next 50 years, it will be helpful both when we are in power and out of power. That’s why it’s important to carry on. It’s not just a four-year thing.”
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