Becoming party leader following an election defeat (having lost power) can be a mixed blessing. Since the war the chances of that leader going on to become PM have varied.
These are examples from recent political history when a party has turned to a new leader almost immediately after election defeat. Following their defeat in 1964 (having held office for 13 years) the Tories turned to Edward Heath, who of course became PM in 1970. So there is one for Ed. Another positive omen is the eventual success of Mrs Thatcher after she succeeded Heath following his defeat in the polls in 1974.
In more recent years Ed Miliband will be hoping to avoid following in the footsteps of Michael Foot and William Hague. Both of whom became leaders following defeat but never took the party to power.
There is no question that coming into power following election defeat poses significant challenges. Ed should not dwell too much on history.
In fact having thought about this I think that if (big IF) Ed Miliband becomes PM he will be the first ever Labour leader to do so having become leader after Party has been ousted from power.
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