Ed Miliband is Labour's most popular cabinet minister

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, is the most popular cabinet minister among Labour Party members, according to a recent poll. Miliband topped the list, followed closely by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was placed much lower, at 17th out of 24 ministers. The survey shows that Labour members often favor politicians with left-wing views, even if their policies might lose votes. Despite Miliband's popularity, he and former leader Jeremy Corbyn are considered the least effective leaders by party members. In contrast, Tony Blair is viewed as the best, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and pragmatism among supporters. A key finding from the poll is that 71% of Labour members believe that Reform UK is the biggest electoral threat, while only 16% see the Conservative Party as a serious competitor. This could pose challenges for Miliband, especially as Reform focuses heavily on opposing green policies, where Miliband has been a strong advocate. Experts suggest that Starmer may soon move Miliband out of his role. They believe that as he plans for the next election, Starmer will prioritize winning over appeasing the party's grassroots supporters. He has shown the ability to reshape the party’s direction and may see Miliband as a barrier to success if his policies become unpopular with voters. The future of environmental policies remains uncertain, as costs could become a major concern for Labour's electoral strategy. While some green initiatives, like solar panels and electric cars, are seen as financially beneficial, broader plans for achieving net-zero emissions may not be as well-received by the public. If Miliband does not align with the changing strategies under Starmer, he could find himself out of Cabinet sooner rather than later.