Ed Miliband will be keen to make a good first impression on the main stage Ed Miliband is to face his first key test as Labour leader when he comes up against David Cameron at prime minister’s questions.
The 40-year-old, who beat his brother David to his party’s leadership, is expected to focus his questions on the coalition’s plans for the economy.
The Commons clash comes a week ahead of the spending review, when the government’s cuts will be revealed.
The 30-minute session is due to begin at 1200 BST.
While the economy is set to dominate proceedings, Mr Miliband could also raise concerns about Business Secretary Vince Cable’s acceptance of a report recommending that universities should be able to charge unlimited tuition fees.
Alternatively, Mr Miliband might decide to ask questions about the investigation into the failed US-led rescue of British hostage Linda Norgrove in Afghanistan.
The Labour leader will be keen to give an impression of competence during prime minister’s questions, which is regarded as the highlight of the parliamentary week.
He replaces Harriet Harman, who stood in as party leader following the resignation of Gordon Brown after the general election.
Mr Miliband, who was announced as Labour leader at the party’s annual conference last month, will be flanked on the opposition benches by members of his recently chosen shadow cabinet.
Among them are likely to be shadow chancellor Alan Johnson, who made his Commons debut in the role on Tuesday, and the husband-and-wife team of shadow home secretary Ed Balls and shadow foreign secretary Yvette Cooper.
The BBC News website will provide full text and video coverage of Mr Miliband’s first appearance at prime minister’s questions.
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