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It is a moment in Labour history.

As the hall fills up we stare at the red background, none of the pink of previous years.

There's almost a carnival atmosphere with smiling faces and excited chatter.

It begins with the obligatory film lauding Labour successes like the minimum wage. Then a tribute to Gordon Brown and a film of his highlights, Heathcliffe-like in his youth.

The former Prime Minister takes the stage and declares;"I have come to be with the party I love". He thanked everyone, while hitting out at Conservative claims that he hadn't fixed the roof while the sun shined and pouring scorn on the Lib Dems, describing Labour as " the only progressive party this country has".

After a short lived ovation there was ..yet another film, to the dismay of everyone in the hall anxious to hear the result, before Harriet Harman got to her feet. She was warmly received and mercifully brief.

She revealed that there have been 34,7219 new members since May's election, a third of them Lib Dem, she claimed.

And finally it fell to Ann Black, the chair of the , to announce the new leader of the Labout Party, and the next Labour Prime Minister she added.

But that chance appeared to diminish as she labouriously read though the results from four rounds of voting that first eliminated Diane Abbott, then Andy Burnham, next Ed Balls, leaving stomachs churning while the final results were revealed.

The votes are split into three categories, those cast by MP's and MEP's, those cast by members and those cast by affiliates, which are mainly unions.

David Milliband consistently did better among the MPs, MEPs and members; Ed Milliband consistently did better among the affiliates.

David's final total was 49.35%, and at that point it became clear, Ed Milliband had edged it, in the end he received more than 19% of his total 50.65% from the votes - opening the door to questions over his legitimacy.

To gasps or silence from some, Ed Milliband rose to embrace his brother while his supporters cheered.

Some couldn't hide their disappointment and the overriding feeling in the hall was shock and disbelief as Ed Milliband got to his feet and declaimed to David;"I love you so much as a brother," in soap opera style.

The new leader complimented his fellow candidates in a rather flat acceptance speech which was received with muted applause before the shell shocked audience shuffled away.

"Are you alright?", a man asked his dismayed partner on their way out.

It's a question the party will have to answer.

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