Miliband warned on leadership bid

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Mr Johnson warned the Environment Secretary against contesting Gordon Brown for the top job, arguing that the Chancellor was "a more talented and a more experienced" candidate.

But he heaped praise on Mr Miliband as "an incredible political asset" for Labour and "a tremendously talented politician".

And he added: "I think he'll be an excellent leader of this party - at some time in the future."

Mr Johnson's comments came after the Chancellor said on Sunday that any potential challengers for the Labour leadership should "feel free" to stand against him. Former Home Secretary Charles Clarke has held out the prospect of Mr Brown having to defeat three serious candidates in a showdown for the position.

Blairites have been encouraging Mr Miliband to mount a challenge, while current Home Secretary John Reid is reportedly considering running.

Mr Miliband said last week that he has no plans to contest the leadership. "It's very flattering, but it's important that you don't let flattery go to your head. I'm not going to be seduced," he said.

Two candidates from the left of the party - John McDonnell and Michael Meacher - have already declared, but Westminster watchers think they will struggle to achieve the 45 MPs' nominations required to enter the final vote.

Speaking at a Westminster lunch on Monday, Mr Johnson said: "I think David's time will come, but I don't think it will be in the next couple of months."

Asked if he would back Mr Miliband if he stood, he replied: "No. But I think David Miliband is an incredible political asset for us. I think he is a tremendously-talented politician and I think he has every possibility of leading this party."