Lord Sugar says ex-South Shields MP David Miliband can save Labour

Business magnate Lord Sugar says the Labour Party should turn to former South Shields MP David Miliband to help it out of its current crisis.
Former South Shields MP David Miliband.Former South Shields MP David Miliband.
Former South Shields MP David Miliband.

Leader Jeremy Corbyn is today facing a full-scale revolt by his top team as a string of shadow ministers quit in protest at his leadership during the EU referendum campaign.

In a series of staged announcements, shadow cabinet members Lucy Powell, Heidi Alexander, Gloria De Piero, Kerry McCarthy, Lilian Greenwood and Ian Murray all said they were resigning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Vernon Coaker said he is considering his position, while Labour sources said shadow Commons leader Chris Bryant is also expected to go.

The walkouts were triggered by the sacking overnight of shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn amid reports that he was working to co-ordinate a coup against the Labour leader.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, one of Mr Corbyn's closest allies, insisted the leader has no intention of bowing to demands to go.

As the party found itself in turmoil amid the fallout of Thursday's Brexit Leave vote, billionaire businessman Lord Sugar said he believes it should turn to David Miliband.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Apprentice star, who was a member of the Labour Party until its defeat at the 2015 general election, Tweeted: "Bring back David Miliband."

In subsequent Tweets, he added: "1/2 Labour shadow cabinet may resign. Corbyn won't walk. Labour stuck with him. Mistake made in 2010. David Miliband should have been leader."

"It all went wrong in 2010. The wrong Miliband was chosen to head Labour. If David was appointed Labour would have won the 2015 election."

Mr Miliband was MP for South Shields between 2001-2013, when he resigned to become president and chief executive of the International Rescue Organisation.

He was unavailable for comment.