My Door Is Always Open, Says Labour Leader

New Labour Leader Ed Miliband has described his brother David's decision to step down from frontline politics as both "thoughtful and gracious."

The former Foreign Secretary announced he was standing down because he did not want to distract the Labour party with talk of a split between him and his brother.

Regarding his brothers announcement, the new Labour Leader commented: "while it would have been fantastic to have him serving in my shadow cabinet, he has made a thoughtful and gracious decision.

"It is thoughtful for the family and gracious in terms of the future of the party."

"He is my brother and as leader of my party my door is always open for him to serve either in opposition or in government."

David Miliband commented: "I will serve to my utmost. But staying in the shadow cabinet would be a route to real difficulty.

"Ed needs open field to lead as he sees fit. I will be a loyal supporter from the backbenches.

"It is the cleanest and clearest decision to take, though not the easiest."

Ed Miliband said his party would have been stronger if it included his brother, stating:

"He is a massive talent for our party, and indeed for our country, I'm not going to hide that fact."

"But I think that he is right to have made the decision that he has, it is the right decision for him.

"As for my feelings, I am delighted to be leader of this party, but I am also disappointed for him.

"That is the paradox of this contest."

Closing the party's annual conference, Deputy Leader Harriet Harman said Labour will be "united" and "fortified" by new leader Ed Miliband, following the week of "roller coaster" emotion.

She concluded that losing the general election was "hard" but there was now a "fierce team" running Labour.

(BMcN/GK)