There are plenty of people who think Ed Miliband will not win the next general election. He's too weird and too nasal, they say. He's not prime ministerial enough, they charge.
And after forgetting to mention the deficit in his recent conference speech, Miliband has also been shaken by a steady stream of criticism over his policies - especially around his flagship mansion tax pledge.
Advertisement
So, can Miliband actually win come 2015? Here are seven reasons why - contrary to conventional wisdom - the Labour leader should be optimistic about his prospects for victory next May.