Advertisement

Reports: David Miliband quits as MP and moves to New York

Reports: David Miliband quits as MP and moves to New York

By Ian Dunt

David Miliband is to step down as an MP with immediate effect so he can take a high profile charity job in New York, according to media reports.

The former foreign secretary has been the subject of media speculation since he narrowly lost the Labour leadership to his brother.

It makes him the second MP to quit and move to New York this parliament, after former Corby MP Louise Mensch resettled across the Atlantic to spend more time with her family.

David Miliband's departure will spark an immediate by-election in South Shields, but the solidly Labour constituency is unlikely to see an electoral upset.

The Blairite minister lost the leadership race to his brother by the narrowest of margins, coming in at 49% to Ed Milband's 51%.

He won the backing of a majority of party members and MPs, but lost among trade unions

Since then, he has made just under £1 million on top of his MP's salaries.

He was always admired in American political circles, with Hillary Clinton famously admitting to a crush on him when they worked together.

The move comes just as relations with his brother were thought to be improving, with some commentators suggesting he could be about to make a move back into a frontline position.

His decision to quit as an MP suggests he is confident his brother will win the general election. A loss in the 2015 poll would have offered him an opportunity to try again for Labour leader.

Ed Miliband reportedly said he felt "sadness" at his elder brother's departure.