David Miliband was reportedly offered the position of Education Secretary in the recent cabinet reshuffle conducted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, but declined the role, according to Labour insiders. The offer came as part of broader discussions around key appointments following Burnham’s ascent to No. 10 last week.

David Miliband, who served as Foreign Secretary under Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2010, had been widely speculated to return to frontline British politics after Burnham’s government was formed. Prior to the reshuffle, he was considered a strong candidate for the Foreign Secretary role, which ultimately was awarded to his brother, Ed Miliband. Ed’s appointment marks a significant promotion from his former post as Energy and Net Zero Secretary.

Labour sources indicate that David Miliband was instead offered the Education Secretary position, a junior role compared to that given to his brother. It is understood that David declined the role partly because of its lower rank and out of loyalty to Bridget Phillipson, the then-incumbent Education Secretary. David Miliband has maintained a close relationship with Phillipson, having publicly supported her during the 2019 general election, and reportedly did not want to cause her political embarrassment. Since 2013, David Miliband has served as president of the International Rescue Committee, earning a salary exceeding £1 million a year.

Although David Miliband did not reenter Parliament this time, speculation persists that he may be considering a future parliamentary seat, potentially Sir Keir Starmer’s London constituency, should the former leader resign and trigger a by-election.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson was demoted by Burnham to Equalities Secretary but was appointed Labour Party chair in response to discontent within the party over her reduced responsibilities. The reshuffle also stirred tensions for Lucy Powell, a Labour MP representing Greater Manchester and a close ally of Burnham, who was appointed Education Secretary. Sources say Powell was disappointed and angry after Burnham did not grant her the anticipated title of Deputy Prime Minister. Powell, who played a pivotal role in Burnham’s return to Parliament and his subsequent leadership shift against Sir Keir Starmer, reportedly felt publicly snubbed.

Allies of Powell characterized her loss as the result of an internal power struggle with the new Chief Whip, Anneliese Midgley, who is said to have a difficult relationship with Powell. Some party insiders lashed out at Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh and Midgley, describing their actions during the reshuffle as factional and punitive.

Burnham opted not to appoint a Deputy Prime Minister, instead assigning those duties to Louise Haigh, who was given the additional title of First Secretary of State.

Requests for comment from Downing Street and David Miliband were not immediately returned.