I did have some belief that Miliband’s heart was in the right place as Environment Secretary, trying to undo some of the considerable wrongs created by his predecessor, the inept Margaret Beckett. She certainly deserved to get the push.
Although Miliband’s blog came in for much criticism for being nothing other than a ministerial post, which it largely was, he did keep working at it and tried to engage more, he did not give up – unlike the Welfare Reform blog launched by Minister for Work and Pensions Jim Murphy, which seems to have died a death. And, sadly, nobody noticed.
Miliband’s new appointment as Foreign Secretary means he can no longer write his environmental blog, where I sat among his blogroll. It has been suspended. I wonder if he will start writing a new one as Foreign Secretary as he he speaks so positively about the need for political blogging.
“The last 15 months have been hugely challenging and hugely enjoyable – and I hope we have made a difference. The new mechanisms for political engagement and dialogue represented by this blog are needed more than ever.
“Thank you for reading, commenting and arguing over the last 15 months. It may take some time for new service to be resumed, but please watch this space.”
I doubt very much that his successor Hilary Benn will write a blog on environmental issues, he was the only candidate who didn’t do so during the deputy Labour leadership contest.
If Miliband means what he slays about “blogs being needed more than ever” for political engagement, the chances are that he will start writing a new one, with postings from Washington and Iraq, Darfur and Israel. I hope he writes more from the heart.
If he gives up for good, then how can other Labour ministers and MPs be persuaded to follow suit?
Update: Iain highlights this quote about Miliband and Beckett:
Aged just 41, Mr Miliband is a more substantial figure on his first day in
office than his predecessor, Margaret Beckett, was throughout her tenure.
I agree.
[…] Will Miliband blog about foreign affairs? Miliban?s new appointment as Foreign Secretary means he can no longer write his environmental blog, where I sat among his blogroll. It has been suspended. I wonder if he will start writing a new one as Foreign Secretary as he he speaks … […]
I have often wondered Ellee, do people like this set up their own blogs and sit at a computer to write them like you and I do, or do they get professional help, and just dictate to a secretary?
I doubt if he will be able to go on blogging. DM actually accepted a few of my comments at his former blog. My regular comments on the madness of Princess Tony, alas, failed to make it through…
I dislike politics over here in the States because Congress only lives to get re-elected and they do nothing. So, I’ve little faith in anything governmental. But that’s my two-cents.
IT, To the best of my knowledge Miliband wrote his own posts, but obviously had moderators.
The very nature of foreign affairs means they are shrouded in secrecy. I can’t see the point of a foreign affair blog myself.
I don’t see how the Foreign Secretary could possibly have time to blog, even with an Apple phone.
Steven L and WW, on reflection, I think you are both right. Maybe DM is hoping another environmental minister will continue the Defra blog, but I don’t suppose for one moment it will be Hilary Benn.
Beware of any man who has a pencil case!
[…] David Miliband might write Foreign Office blog By Ellee There is a chance that David Miliband might write a Foreign Office blog once he has settled into his new post as Foreign Secretary. It has not been ruled out, according to Ross Ferguson, Director of the Hansard Society’s eDemocracy programme, who I met yesterday. […]