WHILE the Scottish referendum has thrown up more questions than answers, one thing has become very clear: Ed Miliband commands little respect, and being totally devoid of both gravitas and charisma he will be a major liability for Labour at the general election.

Alistair Darling’s sincerity in setting forth the No arguments was commendable, but in looking and sounding like a bank manager he was always fighting a losing battle against the confident and slick Alex Salmond. But even Mr Darling put Ed Miliband to shame.

Ed Miliband’s contribution to the No campaign was negligible, and in his last visit to Scotland he looked like a rabbit caught in headlights when jostled by an SNP rent-a-mob.

His lack of the common touch when pressing the flesh was cringeworthy.

What a contrast when Gordon Brown entered the fray. His electrifying speech was a tour de force in public oratory.

Exuding the zeal of an Old Testament prophet, blending reason with emotion, invoking logic and passion, Mr Brown energised his audience, giving a self-belief to the No campaign it had hitherto lacked.

It has been claimed this was the speech which kept the union intact. Perhaps. What is beyond dispute is that Mr Brown’s performance highlighted what a lightweight Ed Miliband is.

It is too close to the general election for Labour to ditch its leader.

But if the party does win a majority next May it will be in spite of Mr Miliband, not because of him.

Stephen Dalby, Mill Farm, Yapham.