Miliband backs Brown and denies leadership bid

David Miliband offered his backing to British prime minister Gordon Brown yesterday, after provoking a storm of speculation by suggesting the Government needed to offer “real change”.

Denying claims that he has launched a de facto leadership campaign, the foreign secretary insisted: “Gordon Brown is the leader of the Labour party and he will lead us forward to address the big issues.”

Speaking at a press conference, Miliband also said the prime minister had the “values and the vision” to run the country successfully.