"Political calculation, yes. Political feelings, no. Analytical intelligence, absolutely. Emotional intelligence, zero."

Tony Blair's summary of Gordon Brown is laid bare in his memoirs, A Journey, which have gone on sale today.

We all knew the relationship was a difficult one, even if Mr Blair did touchingly buy his Chancellor an ice cream in a 2005 election trail stunt.

But it is human nature to want our suspicions to be confirmed and what has surprised even the most experienced political commentators is that the relationship at the heart of a decade of New Labour was much worse than anyone thought.

Mr Blair may describe Mr Brown in his book as a "brilliant" Chancellor but the overriding message is that he could not be trusted and would make a disastrous Prime Minister.

And so it proved to be, although it should not be forgotten that by the time Mr Brown took over at Number Ten, Mr Blair had become a electoral liability.

What is potentially damaging for Labour is the way Mr Blair's revelations have reopened arguments about New Labour and Old Labour. The party needs to go forwards, not backwards.

After so long in power, a hugely disappointing arrogance and complacency had crept into Mr Blair's Government which voters didn't like.

What is important now is to recognise that failing, and look to the future under a new leader.

Tomorrow's Northern Echo will endorse David Miliband as the candidate best equipped to take the Labour Party forward.

He has the experience that others lack, is less wedded to old labour values than his leadership rivals and understands the needs of this region.

And if the Labour leader was chosen on the basis of the person the other parties would fear most, David Miliband would be a clear winner.