ED Miliband has won the Labour leadership by just over one per cent from his brother David.

The younger of the two brothers scored heavily among trades unionists in the final section of the ballot – beating the former Foreign Secretary who had attracted more votes from MPs and ordinary party members.

The announcement of the winning candidate was made to members of the Labour Party at the start of their annual conference in Manchester.

Ed Miliband told delegates he knew the party must change if it is to win back power at the next general election.

He accepted that the party’s stance over the Iraq war had cost it support.

He said the country’s deficit must be reduced but said there must be action to narrow the gap between rich and poor.

Suffolk County Council Labour group leader Sandy Martin had supported Ed Miliband throughout the campaign and was pleased by the result.

He was confident the party’s new leader would be able to unite the party and bring in new supporters.

He said: “I have always felt that Ed was the best placed candidate to attract the non-committed voters that we need to win the next election.

“He has a passion for the party and the politics he supports but also knows what is reasonable. I am very hopeful for the future.”

However Colchester Labour group leader Tim Young was having difficulty in hiding his disappointment after seeing his favoured candidate David Miliband pipped at the post.

He said: “I must congratulate Ed Miliband, but I do find myself questioning an electoral system which sees the unions deciding who the leader is.

“David won both the party members’ votes and the MPs’ votes and still lost – that is something to think about in the future.”

However former Suffolk County Council leader Bryony Rudkin was quick to congratulate the new leader.

She said: “I supported David but I am happy with what Ed said afterwards and now we must all pull together for party.

“I am sure Ed will be a great leader and will be able to carry the party back to power at the next general election.”