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David Miliband receives praise from political world after resignation David Miliband receives praise from political world after resignation
(6 months later)
David Miliband's departure from British politics has drawn tributes from Labour colleagues and fellow MPs.David Miliband's departure from British politics has drawn tributes from Labour colleagues and fellow MPs.
The deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, said: "I thought he was a thoughtful and active foreign secretary and he has thought long and hard about these issues.The deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, said: "I thought he was a thoughtful and active foreign secretary and he has thought long and hard about these issues.
"I found conversations with him rewarding. I would never begrudge a politician the right to take a change of direction in their own life if they wish to."I found conversations with him rewarding. I would never begrudge a politician the right to take a change of direction in their own life if they wish to.
"He was one of the few big characters in the Labour party that realised opposition can't just shout at the government; the opposition also needs to come up with its own alternatives if it wants to appeal to voters at the next election."He was one of the few big characters in the Labour party that realised opposition can't just shout at the government; the opposition also needs to come up with its own alternatives if it wants to appeal to voters at the next election.
"He's a real loss to the Labour party.""He's a real loss to the Labour party."
Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "David Miliband and I first became friends as students, before either of us had met Tony Blair or Gordon Brown, and long before anyone talked about New Labour. Twenty-five years on, he remains one of my closest friends in politics and in life.Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "David Miliband and I first became friends as students, before either of us had met Tony Blair or Gordon Brown, and long before anyone talked about New Labour. Twenty-five years on, he remains one of my closest friends in politics and in life.
"Our time together as parliamentary and then cabinet colleagues proves to me that he can feel real pride about his immense contribution to our party and to our country.""Our time together as parliamentary and then cabinet colleagues proves to me that he can feel real pride about his immense contribution to our party and to our country."
Labour peer and former cabinet minister Lord Adonis tweeted: "David M will be hugely missed. Inspirational leader and friend who contributed so much to last govt's successes. But great job he takes on."Labour peer and former cabinet minister Lord Adonis tweeted: "David M will be hugely missed. Inspirational leader and friend who contributed so much to last govt's successes. But great job he takes on."
David Lammy, another former Labour minister, also went on Twitter: "David Miliband a big loss to PLP. Will miss him. Very loyal friend. The right decision however for him Louise and his two boys. Great new job."David Lammy, another former Labour minister, also went on Twitter: "David Miliband a big loss to PLP. Will miss him. Very loyal friend. The right decision however for him Louise and his two boys. Great new job."
Tessa Jowell told the BBC: "Look, you can live your live on the basis of ifs – and what if a different course had happened, a different course had been taken, but this is not any old job for David."Tessa Jowell told the BBC: "Look, you can live your live on the basis of ifs – and what if a different course had happened, a different course had been taken, but this is not any old job for David."
Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint was among many tweeters to use Miliband's departure as an excuse to mention a cult puppet show. "Happy for David Miliband and his family. Here's to International Rescue. Thunderbirds are go!"Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint was among many tweeters to use Miliband's departure as an excuse to mention a cult puppet show. "Happy for David Miliband and his family. Here's to International Rescue. Thunderbirds are go!"
Keith Vaz, chair of the home affairs select committee, said he was "stunned by the news about David Miliband. A huge loss to British politics. The best and the brightest leaving the country".Keith Vaz, chair of the home affairs select committee, said he was "stunned by the news about David Miliband. A huge loss to British politics. The best and the brightest leaving the country".
Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South-east said Miliband was "relentlessly curious and passionate about politics. A real loss and pol will seem that bit smaller."Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South-east said Miliband was "relentlessly curious and passionate about politics. A real loss and pol will seem that bit smaller."
Miliband was "a rare MP who acted on reason and evidence. Others function on perception, pressure and prejudice", according to Paul Flynn, Labour MP for Newport West.Miliband was "a rare MP who acted on reason and evidence. Others function on perception, pressure and prejudice", according to Paul Flynn, Labour MP for Newport West.
Tim Farron, the president of the Liberal Democrats, called Miliband's move "a big loss for parliament … David was a big thinker, great politician and a lovely man".Tim Farron, the president of the Liberal Democrats, called Miliband's move "a big loss for parliament … David was a big thinker, great politician and a lovely man".
Conservative party chairman Grant Shapps said: "He has contributed a great deal to British politics and we wish him well."Conservative party chairman Grant Shapps said: "He has contributed a great deal to British politics and we wish him well."
Tobias Ellwood, Tory MP for Bournemouth East, said: "Whilst not on front bench always on front line in the political arena. Another 'what if' story …"Tobias Ellwood, Tory MP for Bournemouth East, said: "Whilst not on front bench always on front line in the political arena. Another 'what if' story …"
Louise Mensch, the former MP for Corby whose departure for family reasons from the Conservative benches for New York caused a furore last year, tweeted as the news broke of Miliband's departure on Tuesday. "I do very much look forward to all those critical of mid-term resignations for any cause, even family, being consistent tomorrow."Louise Mensch, the former MP for Corby whose departure for family reasons from the Conservative benches for New York caused a furore last year, tweeted as the news broke of Miliband's departure on Tuesday. "I do very much look forward to all those critical of mid-term resignations for any cause, even family, being consistent tomorrow."
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