Look who else has suddenly come round to Burnham’s way of thinking… David Miliband gives backing devolution and electoral reform as manoeuvring for Foreign Secretary steps up
Former Labour foreign secretary David Miliband has publicly endorsed key policy ideas favoured by Andy Burnham, who is on the brink of becoming prime minister after securing 322 nominations from Labour MPs to replace Keir Starmer. In a comeback speech, Miliband voiced support for greater devolution and electoral reform, fuelling speculation that he is positioning himself for a return to frontline politics — potentially as Foreign Secretary — amid intense manoeuvring over who will fill Burnham's prospective cabinet.
Delivering the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Annual Memorial Lecture in London, Miliband — who lives in the US and has led the International Rescue Committee — warned of a world facing "unchecked power, democratic backsliding and the erosion of the rule of law", and called for tackling the concentration of economic and political power in Westminster. He praised Burnham's pledge to give "meaningful power" to local communities. However, Burnham has reportedly been cautioned by cabinet ministers that he cannot appoint "more Milibands than women in the top jobs", underlining tensions over cabinet balance.
- David Miliband backs Burnham's devolution and electoral reform plans in comeback speech.
- Burnham has secured 322 Labour MP nominations to become prime minister.
- Miliband is tipped for a possible return as Foreign Secretary.