Labour - Ed's new man

A devout Roman Catholic who became one of the Archbishop of Canterbury's closest advisers, a diplomat who worked with the very undiplomatic Alastair Campbell at Number 10, a spin doctor who was liked and admired by the journalists he briefed.

Tim Livesey is a surprise and impressive choice for the vital role of chief of staff for Labour leader Ed Miliband.

Although I know, like and admire Tim, I know little about his political views. He brings a number of very important qualities to the job of heading the leader of the opposition's office - he has experience of government, he has operated at a senior level in the real world and he is not defined by his politics.

As the press officer who organized Tony Blair's foreign trips I remember Tim's capacity to combine charm and steel when dealing with the press pack and foreign diplomats.

Searching online for a guide to his views I came across a speech he made to the Media Standards Trust which reveals attitudes which will have appealed to Ed Miliband. He asks the media to ask a question which, I suspect, he will want Labour to ask:

"First of all, what is our clear sense of purpose? What am I - we - here for? We've got to recognize that we're a moral agency.

"Everything we do has moral value, it is not morally neutral, let's not kid ourselves. What is my, our, contribution to the common good?"

He also said he disagreed with Tony Blair's speech which attacked the media as "feral beasts".

"I disagree with him (Blair) that the answer... is to have a damn good press office. I actually think that the answer is to know who you are, and to get on with it".

Advice which will be music to Ed Miliband's ears as some mutter about poor poll ratings or performances at PMQs.