Exit stage left

Had he stayed in the shadow cabinet, Miliband senior's every move

would have been scrutinised for a hint of a new political split between him and Ed. This was proved emphatically on Tuesday, when the former Foreign Secretary attracted yet more attention when the brothers' differences over the invasion of Iraq were laid bare.

David Miliband might find that a period away from the front line could bolster, rather than diminish him. Political heavyweights, like Ken Clarke, William Hague and Lord Mandelson, have all returned to play a significant role in Government after time spent away from the

front line.

For someone who has been at the top of British politics for the last 15 years, time spent in the real world could also be personally helpful.

The stress of propping up Gordon Brown's struggling premiership, followed by the marathon Labour leadership campaign, were no doubt exhausting.

Having lost the leadership contest despite, or perhaps because, of the widespread belief he was Tony Blair's favoured successor, Mr Miliband leaves the stage unhappily.

It would not be a surprise if he filled another major political job, in Britain or abroad, given his foreign policy experience and friendship with Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State.

For those who he leaves behind, such as Shadow Cabinet members and Yorkshire MPs Hilary Benn, Yvette Cooper and Ed Balls, there is an opportunity to come to the fore. If they can provide constructive opposition and stand up for this region, they will

be enhancing both their own prospects and Labour's future.