The Gillibrand brothers: What a political contest that would have been

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Former foreign secretary David Miliband (R) is applauded by his brother party leader Ed Miliband after giving a keynote speech to delegates during the second day of the Labour party conference at Manchester Central on September 27, 2010 in Manchester, England. David Miliband rallied the party faithful and declared that 'Ed's a great leader' in his brother Ed Miliband. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The Gillibands could have been Wales’ answer to the Milibands

When I was at secondary school in Manchester two leading and very outspoken members of the debating society were a pair of twins – Chris and John Gillibrand.

Today I learnt that Chris Gillibrand is standing for Ukip in the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency in north Wales, where Plaid Cymru parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd is standing down.

Now I learn that among the contenders to succeed Llwyd as Plaid candidate was Chris’s brother John, a vicar. Unfortunately John Gillibrand wasn’t picked, but what a family contest that would have been.