Be a 'happy warrior': Ed Miliband's leaders' debate notes find their way into the Sun on Sunday
Ed Miliband wanted to present himself as a "happy warrior" in Thursday night's televised leaders' debate, according to his discarded notes which have been obtained by a Sunday newspaper.
The Labour leader's crib sheet, featuring motivational messages and cues for key quotes, was laid bare in today's Sun on Sunday after apparently being left behind in his dressing room.
The notes urged Miliband to talk to the camera, "relish the chance to show who I am" and stay "calm... never agitated".
Despite being a seven-way debate, Miliband's prompts – including "me vs DC" – emphasised his desire to cut through the noise to land a blow on David Cameron.
And they reveal how some of his key ripostes were carefully planned in advance, including encouraging viewers at home to "use their vote as a weapon to fight for the NHS, by kicking David Cameron out of Downing Street".
Greg Hands, the Conservative deputy chief whip, used the notes as an opportunity to mock Miliband, saying: "Am not at all surprised that the Sun has Miliband's debate notes. It was obvious that Ed didn't have them."
But a Labour spokesperson played down their publication: "These notes will come as no surprise to anybody who saw the debate," they said.
"They explain why and how Ed took on David Cameron over the NHS and living standards. They also show how Ed set out a positive vision for the future with Labour's better plan, including on zero-hours contracts, lower tuition fees and rents."
Thursday's prime time clash on ITV – the first and last time in this election campaign that the seven leaders will debate together – was watched by 7 million people.