It's not been a summer of love for Ed Miliband. The Labour leader returned from a fortnight in France to growing criticism - and not just from the Tories.
Westminster journalists, perhaps because of a lack of other stories to write about, have him in their sights.
But his supposed party allies have not exactly helped. On an almost daily basis, a combination of outright attacks and backhanded complements have left him wishing he had stayed on the beach.
Thanks, guys:
Andy Burnham: "I think there's definitely a need to shout louder, and speak in a way that captures how people are feeling and thinking. There's definitely a need to put our cards on the table"
Andy Burnham
Frank Field, respected veteran MP for Birkenhead:
"If you had said five years ago that the Tories would actually be setting the agenda on welfare you risked being certified. We are now trailing them in policy."
George Mudie, Backbench Labour MP, former minister:
"I have difficulty knowing what we stand for now. We're not at them, we're hesitant, confused. I deeply worry about that".
Thank you, Darling
Alistair Darling, former Chancellor: "I think everybody in my party is pretty focused on the fact that come this autumn you need to start making it pretty clear to people what would the difference be if you come to the general election and vote for a different government."
Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton:
"Labour's shadow cabinet is almost invisible in repose when it's an ideal time to attack ministers who are on the beach.
"It's a huge mistake and it's not good enough. We need to be energetic, not slumbering."
John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister:
"If people aren’t pulling their weight, give them the hairdryer and kick ’em out."
David Blunkett, former Home Secretary:
“I think Mr Miliband has demonstrated on a number of occasions that he can do it but he won't be able to do it alone and nor should he.
”Clem Attlee wasn't the most vibrant, in public terms, proponent."
Chris Mullin, former Labour MP:
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's former spin doctor:
"Labour have played into Tory hands on this, and there needs to be an admission of that, so that even at this late stage, a proper debate and a proper reckoning of the record can be had."
Alastair Campbell
Lord Glasman, Labour peer:
"At the very time when Labour should be showing the way ahead, it gives the impression of not knowing which way to turn. When the Labour battle bus should be revving up, it is parked in a lay-by of introspection. It is a time for Ed Miliband to show he is a grown-up politician big enough to lead this country."
Tom Watson, influential former campaigns co-ordinator:
"Cameron has set the agenda on Europe; he wants a referendum, and if we don't engage with that debate then it won't be on our terms.
"So I would argue for a referendum next May – get it out the way before the election. That should be Labour's position."
30% of Labour voters:
Almost a third don't want Ed to lead them into the next election, a recent poll found.