David Miliband has publicly endorsed devolution and electoral reform, aligning his views with those of Andy Burnham, who is poised to become prime minister. The former Blair cabinet minister delivered a keynote speech on democracy, addressing growing speculation about his potential role in a future government, particularly as Foreign Secretary.
Miliband, who has been living in the United States and serves as president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, traveled to London to deliver the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Annual Memorial Lecture. In his address, he called for a redistribution of power away from London, stating a need to "take on the concentration of the UK's economic and political power in Westminster." He specifically referenced Burnham's commitment to granting "meaningful power to those who know and serve their communities," suggesting "we are on the verge of big change, and it is long overdue."
"Devolving down to encourage levelling up will create countervailing power in Britain in a healthy way," Miliband stated, drawing on his past experience as a local government minister who viewed the centralization of power as a "weakness of the British model." Burnham's proposed "No10 North" initiative, aimed at relocating governmental functions outside of London, resonates with Miliband's call for decentralization.
Beyond devolution, Miliband also voiced support for electoral reform. He expressed concern over the limited representation in Parliament, noting that "only 15 percent of MPs won 50 percent of the vote at the 2024 general election." He advocated for an alternative vote system to ensure MPs possess a stronger mandate, a position consistent with Burnham's stated interest in introducing proportional representation into Labour's future manifesto.
Miliband linked "massive inequalities of income and especially wealth" to a global erosion of confidence in democratic systems, suggesting citizens perceive the system as "rigged." This sentiment mirrors a central theme in Burnham's recent political discourse.
In a wide-ranging speech, Miliband also defended the role of trade unions, characterizing them as essential for checking "employer abuse" and acting as "schools of citizenship." He also defended the BBC and offered criticism of certain aspects of life in the United States. He warned that the "lure of strongman solutions arises from frustration and grievance," as voters turn away from traditional democratic processes.
Miliband called for increased regulation of artificial intelligence and a crackdown on online disinformation, asserting, "We need to 'stop the bots' not just 'stop the boats'."
Speculation about Miliband's political future has been ongoing. Previously, he was considered a candidate for the U.S. ambassador role but was reportedly ruled out due to his perceived closeness to the Democratic Party, particularly following the election of President Trump. Miliband left front-line UK politics after a contest for Labour leadership against his brother, Ed Miliband, who is reportedly being considered for the Chancellor position in Burnham's prospective cabinet. David Miliband has been based in Washington since 2013.