David Miliband said no when asked to be Education Secretary... and Lucy Powell's angry at Deputy PM snub

By CHRISTIAN CALGIE, SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT-AT-LARGE Published: 00:02, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 00:06, 30 July 2026 David Miliband was offered the post of Education Secretary in Andy Burnham's reshuffle, it has been claimed. The brother of Ed Miliband was widely tipped to return to British politics once Mr Burnham entered No 10. In the run-up to the new PM's reshuffle last week, he was touted as a potential Foreign Secretary, having previously served in the role under Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2010. The job ended up being given to his brother – and arch political rival – Ed, a major promotion from his previous position as Energy and Net Zero Secretary. A Labour source has now told the Daily Mail that David was offered the more junior job of Education Secretary, before it was given to Labour and Greater Manchester MP Lucy Powell – a close ally of Mr Burnham. It is claimed that Mr Miliband declined the job because it was more junior to the role offered to his brother and because he is friends with the then-incumbent Bridget Phillipson and did not want to humiliate her.  Mr Miliband, who has served as president of the International Rescue Committee since 2013 on a salary of more than £1 million a year, appeared in a number of photos and videos backing Ms Phillipson during the 2019 general election. While he failed to make a return to British politics last week, it is now rumoured he is eyeing up Sir Keir Starmer's London constituency should the ousted prime minister quit Parliament and spark a by-election. David Miliband (pictured on May 20, 2020) was offered the post of Education Secretary in Andy Burnham's reshuffle Ed Miliband's brother was touted as a potential Foreign Secretary in the run-up of Burnham's (pictured on July 29, 2026) reshuffle last week  Ms Phillipson was demoted by Mr Burnham to Equalities Secretary, though she was given the additional job of Labour Party chair following outrage among Labour MPs at her reduced role. It is understood that Ms Powell is furious at Mr Burnham over her new role as Education Secretary, as she was publicly snubbed when he denied her the title of Deputy Prime Minister, as had been expected ahead of the reshuffle. Ms Powell fought hard to secure Mr Burnham's return to Parliament and bring about the eventual coup against Sir Keir. Yesterday, a source close to Ms Powell said she was 'hurt and angry' after the new Prime Minister declined to give her the title. Allies of Ms Powell revealed 'she thought she was getting Deputy Prime Minister until she walked in the [No 10] door', adding that Mr Burnham's team had been 'briefing it all weekend'. Instead, Mr Burnham has declined to use the Deputy Prime Minister position at all, with the responsibilities landing with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh, who received the added title of First Secretary of State. Sources claimed Ms Powell lost out in an internal power battle with the new Chief Whip Anneliese Midgley, who 'hates' her. A party source branded Ms Haigh and Ms Midgley 'political thugs' who had behaved like 'factional Mafioso' with a 'punishment beating' reshuffle. Downing Street and David Miliband were approached for comment.