Labour leader Ed Miliband was in the East Midlands today campaigning on the final day of the local election campaign. Mr Miliband who hasn't had the best week starting on Monday when he refused to answer the question on the World at One on Radio4 on whether Labour's temporary VAT cut pledge would require extra borrowing. He went on the ITV's Daybreak on the Tuesday to confirm it would. Labour's media week went from bad to worse this morning when the party's deputy leader, Harriet Harman, didn't seem to know the details of Labour's "job guarantee" or which companies were supportive of the policy saying "I'm sure our Shadow Business Secretary and Shadow Chancellor have had discussions".
However on the campaign trial Mr Miliband seems to of been going down well with the public drawing in large crowds as he takes his "soapbox" around the country. Speaking to voters in the East Midlands Mr Miliband said: "Over the past three weeks, I have travelled across our country having hundreds of conversations with the people of Britain. In market squares and town centres, train stations and suburban streets, you have told me how times are hard for you and your families. Harder than people can ever remember. But you have a clear choice in the local elections tomorrow.
"The choice is between a One Nation Labour party that knows we rebuild Britain by standing up for the many. And a Conservative-led Government that only stands up for the few. By electing Labour councillors, people will be electing representatives who stand up for them not just a few people at the top. I am absolutely certain we can overcome our country’s problems. We will overcome these huge challenges facing us in the future through the strength of the British people working together. Using all our talents.
"By helping working people have more of the confidence and security they need to plan for their future, by reintroducing a 10p starting rate of tax paid for by a mansion tax on homes above £2 million. By working to improve the living standards of working people, by taking on the energy company rip offs and capping fares that put the price of the daily commute out of reach. By giving local communities the power to shape their own high streets, so they can prevent them being dominated by payday lenders. And most of all by remembering how we will succeed as a nation. With a different vision of Britain. A Britain that comes together, that works together, as one nation, not two. That’s the choice in this local election campaign. That's why we ask people to vote Labour this Thursday."
