Miliband rules out EU post fuelling Labour leader talk

Published on 10/11/2009 00:09

DAVID Miliband has ruled out becoming the European Union's high representative, increasing speculation that he may have an eye on the Labour leadership.

The Foreign Secretary had been seen as a front-runner for the foreign affairs post being created under the Lisbon Treaty.

Despite saying previously he was "not available" for the job, speculation had persisted that he might accept if it was offered. According to the BBC, Mr Miliband told Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, the head of the left-leaning Party of European Socialists, he was not interested in the role when they met yesterday.

That fuelled speculation he is aiming to succeed Gordon Brown as Labour leader, either before or after the general election.