You should go for it, David |

Monday 9th November 2009 | 17:16

You should go for it, David

75% of insiders advise David Miliband to take the EU job if he is offered it

It is reported this morning that David Miliband has rejected the chance to become EU high representative for foreign affairs. Most political insiders think this is the wrong career move for Mr Miliband.

A Phi100 survey conducted yesterday suggests that three quarters of insiders believe the European Union Foreign Representative job would have been good for David Miliband’s career prospects.

The Foreign Secretary has repeatedly been linked with the role in recent weeks, and his chances were thought to have increased after it emerged Tony Blair was unlikely to become the first President of the European Council.

Asked if they were David Miliband's best friend, what would they advise him, 75% of insiders say they would advise him to take the job. 16% would have advised him not to take the job.

The Phi100 panel is comprised of MPs, peers, journalists, think tank leaders, academics and strategists from across all political leanings.

For end of career folk?

A Labour parliamentarian said, “He should take it. He's not ever going to become leader of the Labour Party.”

A right-leaning strategist said, “He should take the job. He'll never be leader here as he's a bottler. In Europe, bottling is a way of life, so he'll be perfect!”

A left-aligned think tank leader said, “No - hard to find a way back - it is for end-of career folk.”

A Conservative MP remarked, “Why should anyone but David Milliband care what he does next?”

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