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David Miliband was never seriously in the running for the post of EU foreign affairs chief, Gordon Brown said today.
Amid reports that the Foreign Secretary had ruled himself out of the race, the Prime Minister maintained that Tony Blair was Britain's only candidate for a top job in Brussels.
Mr Brown also suggested it was too early for Mr Blair to be counted out of the contest to become European Council president, saying the selection process was “just starting”.
He told a Downing Street press conference: “David Miliband was never a candidate for the job. Britain has only one candidate for the European Council positions. That candidate is Tony Blair, for the presidency.”
Mr Miliband is understood to have said he is “not a candidate” for the position of EU High Representative on foreign affairs. He is thought to have rejected the job to focus on “his future in British politics” — a clear indication that he plans a future Labour leadership bid.
Friends have reportedly told him that if he left the Government now he would be portrayed as “a rat leaving a sinking ship”.
Allies also insisted there was still a chance that Mr Brown might stand down before the general election.
Reader views (15)
Quote "Britain has only one candidate for the European Council positions. That candidate is Tony Blair, for the presidency."
Nepotism reaches new heights in NuLabour! One NuLabour unelected PM backing one retired millionaire NuLabour PM for the job of El Presidentee of the EU.
(Unfortunately for TB, Brown endorsing anything usually has the kiss of death about it)
Socialism 2009 style - long way from when all Labour worried about were the workers and wanting to separate the rich from their wealth.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston
That is a real pity he doesn't want the job because with luck we could have got rid of both him and his idiot brother as well !!!
- Nick Holland, glasgow
My god thats all we need him in charge
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh UK
Rejected for a top job at the federal level, he returns to dreams of being a provincial premier. You often see this in U.S. and Canadian politics!!
- Phil Jones, London UK
Bottler Mk 2 as the next Leader of New Labour? Sounds about right if one considers that they'll be in Opposition for a generation or two.
- Ted, London
You weren't offered it and no one from the UK will get offered one either.
Please stay in Uk politics.
- Amoreno, Luxembourg
Milliband's lifelong ambition is to be leader of HM Opposition ?
- John, Twickenham
How can he turn it down when no-one's offered him the job in the first place?
- Jeremiah, Ealing, UK
I wasn't aware the conceited little tic was offered it?! "Mr Miliband is understood to have rejected the European job" is not the same as "Mr Miliband rejected the European job" - we're ALL well well-trained in the science of spin after 12 years of Hard Labour.
Still, nice of them all to throw a party to draw straws as to who will get which job: there's nothing like a democratic election.
- Roz, France
That Miliband, who acts like a child in his capacity as Foreign Secretary, once one of the most serious and respected Cabinet positions, should be considered for the EU post only proves how short of talent is the European political scene. God help us.
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
That Miliband, who acts like a child in his capacity as Foreign Secretary, once one of the most serious and respected Cabinet positions, should be considered for the EU post only proves how short of talent is the European political scene. God help us.
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
Elections of the officials for the EU are very undemocratic, for a democratic state.
There are obviously comparisons to the Trade-Union-Block-Votes of the past about this.
20 years after the Berlin Wall was taken down, the bricks have been used to build a new wall around the EU administration.
What does go on behind closed doors?
- J R J, Glen Vine
Millipede ain't got no future in British or any other politics so Great britain & Europe should be pleased about that and have nothing to worry about.
- Strongbow Sullivan, Paris,France.
"I won't take European job"
Didn't realise it had been offered to him?
The utter arrogance of these Labour vermin is beyond belief.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Mr Miliband "sees his future in British politics". Clearly this man is deluded in thinking he has a future. Bring on the election!
- Dannyp, Egham
