Jowell: Miliband is “a very sensitive, tender human being”

Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell has told Channel 4 News Ed Miliband is “sensitive” and “tender” but also capable of being “prime ministerial”.

Dame Tessa, who backed David Miliband to become Labour leader but served as a shadow minister under his brother, is stepping down after the election but intends to stand as Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London.

Asked how Mr Miliband was coping with increasingly personal attacks from political opponents and the press, she told Channel 4 News.

“Most of the time, through a combination of not reading it, hoping that people are not going to tell you, believing in what you stand for and believing in what you do, you get through it.

“He’s a human being – he’s a very sensitive, tender human being.”

Asked if Mr Miliband was prime ministerial enough, she said: “I think he is. Look how he performed in the debates.

“He was prime ministerial in the debates. That was the Ed Miliband who I hope will become the prime minister of this country.”

Dame Tessa also said she respected SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, saying: “She’s a woman of great passion. She believes passionately about Scottish independence.

“I don’t agree with her but I respect her right to express her views and with the passion that she does.

“What was great about the leaders’ debate was that we had three women leaders there with the men.”