I was in London last week on business and as I do pretty much every time I’m there, I tune in to BBC News in the evenings.  Now of course, anyone who knows UK politics knows about Ed Miliband.  He’s a media favorite, mostly for the priceless soundbites he gives and the sheer number of interviews he’s willing to do.

It’s also important to note that Ed isn’t exactly known for being the “best” at doing media interviews.  He tends to get himself in trouble more often than not.  This attached clip is no exception.  It’s a radio interview done locally by a radio host in Swindon (just west of London on the M4).  Now one of the first things we teach people in our media training is never to lie or bluff.  Mr. Miliband shows us here why.  Listen as the radio host, albeit a bit sneaky, tricks Mr. Miliband into admitting he has no idea who the local leader is for his party.

Now many people will say “shame on that host” for tricking Mr. Miliband.  I say shame on Mr. Miliband for trying to bluff his way through an interview.  The obvious lesson to be learned here is if you don’t know the answer to a question (in this case who the person is), then simply state that.  Mr. Miliband obviously feels that he should be expected to know every party leader across England, which is a bit of a stretch even for the most seasoned politician, and the public knows that.  Next time, Mr. Miliband should rely on the media training I’m sure he has received and not try to bluff his way through an interview.