Leadership contest is a topic of debate on the streets of East Devon.

SIBLING rivaly was at the heart of the Labour Party leadership contest, with younger Miliband brother Ed narrowly beating party members’ favourite David to get the top job.

As David Miliband withdrew from frontline politics and returned to the back benches, we asked you for your opinions on sibling rivalry .

Opinions were divided, with some believing two Milibands in the shadow cabinet could have had a detrimental impact on the future of the Labour Party.

Others said they hoped the brothers could rise above the rivalry of the leadership contest and get on with their political careers.

Sandra Chambers, 64, from Colyton, said: “I think they should be able to get on, as they were brought up together, so they must have something in common.

“But, going by my two sons, they have their disagreements but still seem to come to a middle road.

“I think David should resign. Their views are completely different - one is more left and one is more middle of the road. “If it was me, I might step down if I couldn’t agree.”

Her husband, John, 65, said: “There is no room for both of them. I think David will go.

“If David had won, like expected, I think it would have been easier for Ed to work under David – he just come up on the ropes. The unions have put Ed in over David.”

Michael Carson, 62, said: “Personally speaking, I can’t see it (long-term rivalry). They are very close, from what I gather.

“No, I don’t think it will affect the Labour Party. I don’t think it will make any difference.

“People are making too much out of it.”

Melanie Eveleigh, 26, from Honiton, said: “It is not easy to work with siblings, not when you live with them.

“I used to fight with my sister, but we’re best friends now that we don’t live together.

“I think the party will be fine - as long as they are not together all day every day.”

She added: “I wish my kids would get along.”

Kathy Clist, 40, said: “As they are grown up, they ought to be able to work together and, hopefully, they can.

“At that age, they should be able to, as they are not teenagers.”

Doreen Lake, 69, from Honiton, said: “I think it would have been better if it had been won by the older brother.

“He’s got to step down.

“I suppose it will be difficult for them, as it is very competitive in their world.

“I did work with my sister and she was in charge. Even as we got older, she is still in charge. She is still my big sister.”

Wendy Bagness, 59, who lives near Axminster, said: “Yes, I do think sibling rivalry will have an affect.

“Who knows, it may turn out to be a good thing. But David has got more experience than Ed.

“I don’t think it is going to work, somehow.”

Laura Stewart, 55, said: “Sibling rivalry starts very early on and sits there in some shape or form.

“It will be very interesting to see what happens.

“The thing is, you can’t be in politics if you are going to take a real liking to someone or your own brother.”

Her husband, Roy, said: “It is a manufactured media story.”