Ed Miliband could be about to offer his brother a way back into politics

Earlier this month, we reported the rumour that David Miliband could be eyeing up a job in a future Hillary Clinton administration over in the US. However, it seems he might be offered a way back into politics before 2016.

This morning’s Times Red Box email reports that Ed Miliband is being urged to consider making his brother the British ambassador to the US if Labour come to power next May. David Miliband’s previous experience as the UK’s foreign secretary would mean he would be a respected voice in Washington for the final year of the Obama Government – and his previous role also gave him a good working relationship with Clinton, who is widely considered frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The thinking behind this move is that it would help to heal the relationship between the two Milibands, and give David an important political role where he would not be either stepping on Ed’s toes or have a brief commenting on domestic politics, where private disagreements could more easily become public. After a period as ambassador, there would then be a greater opportunity for David to return to British politics in some form.

In The Times email, a “senior Labour politician” is quoted as saying:

“What could be better? It would be terrific for Ed to have David over in Washington, whoever takes over from Obama. And it would be a route back for David.”

It would also mean that, for a few years at least, the elder brother would not have to uproot his family by moving back across the channel from New York, where he is currently based. In an interview with Vice Magazine, published yesterday, he spoke about the commitment he made by moving to America. When asked about whether he would return to British politics, he said:

“It’s flattering to be asked the question, but I’m committed to my job here. You don’t move 3,000 miles as a short-term manoeuvre. I’ve made a big commitment – my family are here. But British politics has to play out. Obviously I’m passionately committed to one side, the Labour side.”