http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10827320
David Miliband struck a very sombre note at the latest hustings for the Labour leadership candidates.
Yes, it is true that the Labour Party historically has spent many long years in Opposition following certain election defeats
However, whilst Labour's share of the vote in May's election was by all accounts low, the fact that the Tories did not get an overall majority and is now very precariously sharing power with a party that has more in common with Labour than them, has to mean that Labour has some cause for optimism.
Labour's defeat in the last election was in no way as catastrophic as those the party experienced in 1983 or 1987. Nor can anyone claim that they lost as badly as the Tories did in 1997.
David Miliband is right to take a very cautious line and warn the Party that they could be out of power for a long time.
But how long Labour spends on the Opposition benches will depend heavily on the new leader taking control very quickly and ensuring that the Party immediately unites behind them. As long as the Party remains disciplined and focussed, then Labour can concentrate on rebuilding itself and ensuring victory at the next election in five years time.
I believe it is definitely possible for Labour to do this.
A long spell in Opposition is by no means a certainty.
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