THE Labour Party is too nice to dump its leaders – even when they are liabilities.

In Ed Miliband’s election to the job in 2010 I was the only MP to vote him in the bottom fifth position.

Since then I have been entirely loyal. Neither privately nor publicly have I ever uttered a syllable of criticism of him. But now is the time for straight talking as we choose a new leader. Ed was an electoral liability. They were many other greater problems for us especially the oceanic flood of lies from the Murdoch press.

Ed’s major error was losing the audience in the Question Time hustings. It was entirely true that the past Labour Government did not waste money. But politics is not determined by truths. It is informed by perceptions. Labour’s mythical profligacy is deeply embedded in the mass consciousness of the studio audience. A head-on challenge to the audience was a major mistake where a nuanced approach would have worked.

Tributes will now be fairly paid to Ed’s decency and commitments but the bitter lesson must be learned. There is a danger that yet again we could choose a leader because of his or her position on the political spectrum. To restore public trust in Labour we need an eloquent, charismatic personality strengthened by intellectual depth and debating skills.

I have made my choice. It's Chuka.

* Saddened to hear of the death of the indefatigable campaigner Ray Davies.

He was omnipresent at every protest. I first worked with him in the 60s when we were both shop stewards for the Steel Union at Llanwern.

With Cor Cochion Caerdydd (Cardiff Reds Choir) he revived many forgotten socialist songs. The choir described themselves as revolutionaries and adding quality singing and irreverent humour to protests from Newport to the Far East.

The councillor from Bedwas was as thorough helping his constituents as he was writing letters to this paper or demonstrating for peace at Faslane.

Caerphilly MP Wayne David told me he had a phone call from Ray asking for apologies to be sent because he could not get to a council meeting. He also asked Wayne to ring the Israeli Ambassador to get him out of the jail where he was incarcerated in Jerusalem.

Life here will be less colourful, interesting and principled without Ray’s persistent courage. He lived a good, rich inspired life. His memory will be honoured. Condolences to his family.