A new generation...

Congratulations to Ed Miliband on his election as Leader of the Labour Party: I am sure that he will do a great job.

I see that the right wing press and Tory Party Chairwoman are questioning the legitimacy of Ed's leadership given that his brother David polled more votes from MPs/MEPs and party members, while Ed fared better among trade unionists.

It seems we cannot win: we are criticised when we have a coronation rather than an election and when we do have an election the basis of our electoral system is questioned.

No matter what the Tories and right wing press think, trade unions are an integral part of the Labour Party and trade union members, like myself, who pay the political levy are entitled to have our say in who leads our party.

Now that the election is over the whole party will unite behind our new leader and a new generation of shadow ministers. I am confident that in the months and years that lie ahead they will be an effective opposition to the ConDem Coalition.