THE TUC conference is always a difficult engagement for a Labour leader.

In recent years, you could hear a pin drop when Tony Blair or Gordon Brown got up to make a speech.

So it was not a surprise that Ed Miliband, back for his first big speech since union votes helped him win the Labour leadership, was heckled.

Mr Miliband’s audience was, by turns, disinterested, sceptical and downright contemptuous. One wag joked that the seating plan, which put Bob Crow and the RMT delegation next to the door, had been drawn up to make a walkout easier.

Unlike when Mr Crow stormed out during a speech by Tony Blair, the RMT delegation managed to remain seated.

But later this year, public sector workers will walk out of classrooms and offices in their thousands in protest at planned pension changes.

And when they do, Mr Miliband’s stance will lend him much-needed credibility among middle-class voters.

Privately, the boos were probably music to Mr Miliband’s ears. There is nothing like having the unions at your throat to convince voters of your independence. What better way to shake off the “Red” Ed epithet?

And a few noisy hecklers should not detract from a brave speech which made some good points about strikes and pensions reform.

Mr Miliband may not have won over the TUC Conference, but his message is likely to be more warmly received elsewhere. Which is exactly what he would have wished for.