Former minister in economic policy call to Miliband

Labour leader Ed Miliband must set out in more detail his economic approach when he delivers his conference speech in Manchester today (October 2nd), former shadow chancellor Alan Johnson has said.

Writing in the Guardian, he noted that Mr Miliband had taken up business secretary Vince Cable's analogy of the economic crisis being like a war, but said such comments must be built upon with a speech delivering a clear vision and a sense of strong leadership.

Attacking what he referred to as the "economic ineptitude" of the coalition, Mr Johnson said: "Ed Miliband now has the chance to show that there is an alternative. But there is no use earning the right to be listened to if you have nothing to say."

Mr Johnson suggested the leader should hold back from setting out "major elements" of the next manifesto this far from an election scheduled to be held in 2015.

However, he said Mr Miliband should state clearly what he plans to do to separate retail from investment banking, tackle excessive corporate pay and lower youth unemployment.

People who are in debt and unable to get better jobs to improve their circumstances may take an interest in such developments, but also seek a solution soon rather than waiting for the economic climate to get better.

A debt management plan may be one way those who are struggling can tackle their plans now, rather than continuing to founder and hoping for politicians to come up with some help in the future.

Speaking last week at the Liberal Democrat party conference, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg admitted: "The truth is this: there is no silver bullet that will instantly solve all our economic problems."

He claimed that, four years after it occurred, the near-collapse of the western banking sector is "still blocking the arteries of our entire economic system".

Posted by Paul Thacker