Candidates for the post of Leader of the Opposition may have criticised the Brown premiership before now. Yet, it is only now that David Miliband has set out a series of criticisms in the Keir Hardie lecture: paternal authoritarianism, spin, losing the way, and other rituals of blame the loser.
The long campaign for leader has prevented an inquest on defeat. Moreover, no inquest will be set as the opposition to the Coalition settles on a lazy 'have your cake and eat it'. Oppose for the sake of opposing with an ostrich's obstinacy. Patricia Hodge on "Any Questions" summed up this arrogance tonight with a look at me moment, I am going to criticise the Labour governmen moment.
No inquest increases the power of blaming Brown in lieu of self-knowledge within the Labour movement. David Miliband has sought that path. His record in government leaves him open to the charge of hypocrisy. If Brown was so bad, why did you not challenge? Weren't you part of the authoritarian turn? If it is good to speak up now, then why not speak up then?
Miliband may view this attack on Gordon Brown as a form of catharsis. But if the record of one is up for attack, then so is the record of all members of that Cabinet.