David Miliband was reportedly offered the position of Education Secretary in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent cabinet reshuffle but declined the role, according to a source cited by the Daily Mail. Miliband, who has led the International Rescue Committee since 2013, was previously speculated to return to British politics, with some reports suggesting a potential Foreign Secretary role.
Miliband's brother, Ed Miliband, ultimately secured the position of Foreign Secretary, a promotion from his previous role as Energy and Net Zero Secretary. The Education Secretary post was instead filled by Labour and Greater Manchester MP Lucy Powell.
Sources suggest David Miliband's refusal stemmed from the Education Secretary role being junior to that of his brother and a desire not to undermine Bridget Phillipson, the incumbent whom Miliband had publicly supported in the past. Phillipson was subsequently moved to Equalities Secretary and appointed Labour Party chair.
Meanwhile, Lucy Powell is reportedly displeased with her appointment as Education Secretary. Allies claim she expected to be named Deputy Prime Minister, a title that has not been filled in the reshuffle. Instead, the responsibilities of that office have been assigned to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh, who also received the title of First Secretary of State.
Reports indicate Powell's perceived snub was a result of an internal power struggle, with some sources characterizing the reshuffle as politically motivated against certain individuals. Downing Street and David Miliband had not commented on the reports at the time of publication.