Should he stay or should he go now? That was the question cutting across conference. Would David Miliband ride off into the political sunset, or establish himself in residence at Primrose Hill-les-Deux-Églises?
The decision to duck the shadow cabinet bun fight had many assuming the former. But an e-mail to supporters this morning has turned heads.
In amongst the formulaic thanks and calls for unity are some interesting nuggets. He will continue to develop a new community organising model for the party. He plans to broaden his thinking in education, environmental and foreign policy. He intends to play a full and active role in the Scottish, Welsh and local elections.
For someone preparing to spend more time with their family, this is a pretty busy diary.
His continued engagement will meet with approval. The invitations to fundraising dinners and campaign days will already be piling up. And the statement that, “I can best serve Ed, the party and the country from a new position, and I look forward to working with you to make a success of the decision”, is one his brother will welcome.
Sort of.
Tags: David Miliband, David Miliband's email to supporters, Primrose Hill-les-Deux-Eglises
