Tristram Hunt: Ed Miliband would be ‘radical’ in office – if he gets there

Tristram Hunt has the easy charm, quick wits and good looks that you would expect of a TV historian. His blond hair has the hint of a curl to it and the only surprise about his appearance is that there isn’t a college scarf wrapped round his neck. His Commons office, where we meet, resembles a don’s study, with books piled high on the coffee table, old maps on the wall and a selection of tea-sets on display.

Three years ago, Hunt made the transition from academia to politics. Despite having voted for David Miliband in the leadership contest, he has emerged as an intellectual outrider for Ed Miliband and is, according to the Westminster grapevine, in line for a big promotion in the coming reshuffle. He is the most cerebral member of one of the most important groups in the Labour party, what one might call Blairites for Ed. If the Labour leader is going to win his fights both inside the party and out, he is going to need this group’s support.