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.
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.
7 Reasons Why Ed Miliband Should Be Happy About 2015
David Cameron couldn't even beat Gordon Brown(01 of06)
Open Image ModalGiven Cameron couldn't beat a Labour leader widely mocked as weird, in a recession, at the height of his unpopularity, Miliband will be a much tougher opponent. Also, Cameron has to increase his vote share on 2010 - something no prime minister has done for 40 years. (credit:Arrow Press/EMPICS Entertainment )
Miliband is unpopular... like Thatcher before she won(02 of06)
Open Image ModalThe last party to win when their leader was personally less popular than their rival was Margaret Thatcher in 1979, against Jim Callaghan. And she was a total loser, right? (credit:Joanna Kiyoné/Flickr)
Would voters let Ed near the economy? (03 of06)
Open Image Modal"Don't give the keys back to the guys who crashed the economy," the Tories say about Eds Miliband and Balls. And yet Tony Blair won against John Major in 1997, despite trailing the latter on economic trust in the polls. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Nick's voters quite like Ed(04 of06)
Open Image ModalSince the formation of the coalition in May 2010, a significant chunk of left-wing Lib Dem voters have defected to Labour - and shown no signs of returning prior to the next election. (credit:Olivia Harris/PA Wire)
It's NOT the economy, stupid (not so far...)(05 of06)
Open Image ModalThe massive lead the Tories enjoy over Labour on the economy has not translated into a massive lead over Labour in the national polls. Plus, GDP growth has not been matched by real wage growth. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
And Nigel will take some of Dave's votes(06 of06)
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