Speculation had mounted ahead of the reshuffle the former foreign secretary could return to his former post
David Miliband is said to have been offered the role of Education Secretary during Andy Burnham's recent Cabinet reshuffle, but declined the position after learning of his brother's position.
The former Foreign Secretary, who has long been expected to return to frontline British politics, was reportedly approached for the Cabinet role before the post was ultimately given to Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell.
Speculation had mounted ahead of the reshuffle that the former Foreign Secretary under Gordon Brown, between 2007 and 2010, could return to his former post.
Instead, the Foreign Secretary position went to his younger brother, Ed Miliband - a significant promotion from his previous role as Energy and Net Zero Secretary.
According to the Daily Mail, David Miliband declined the Education Secretary position for two reasons.
Labour sources claimed he viewed the role as "less senior" than the Cabinet post awarded to his brother.
He was also said to be reluctant to replace the then-Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, with whom he is said to have a longstanding friendship.
Outside of Government, Mr Miliband has served as president and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee since 2013.
During the 2019 general election campaign, he publicly supported Ms Phillipson, appearing alongside her in campaign photographs and videos.
The reshuffle also saw Ms Phillipson moved from the Education brief to become Equalities Secretary.
However, she was also appointed Labour Party chair - a move widely interpreted as an attempt to reassure colleagues, following concerns over her demotion.
Although he did not return to Westminster in last week's reshuffle, reports continue to link Mr Miliband with a future comeback.
Political commentators believe he could seek to enter Parliament through a by-election if former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were to vacate his London constituency.
Meanwhile, tensions are said to have emerged within Labour over Lucy Powell's new position.
Sources close to the deputy leader said she was "disappointed" after not receiving the title of Deputy Prime Minister, despite expectations she would be awarded the role following her support for Mr Burnham's leadership bid and return to Parliament.
According to allies, Ms Powell believed she would become Deputy Prime Minister until arriving at Downing Street for the reshuffle.
However, Mr Burnham instead chose not to appoint anyone to the position, with many of the role's responsibilities instead assigned to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh, who was named First Secretary of State.
Sources speaking to the Daily Mail also suggested internal Labour rivalries played a role in the outcome.
Anonymous party sources alleged that Ms Powell lost influence during an internal power struggle involving newly appointed Chief Whip Anneliese Midgley.
One source described senior figures in Mr Burnham's team in highly critical terms, accusing them of operating in a "deeply factional manner".
