David Miliband quits British politics

David,47,will be moving to New York as president and chief executive of the global charity International Rescue Committee,and will not return to frontline politics in the UK.

His decision to step down as South Shields MP marks the wrapping up of what the British media has characterised as a “soap opera” ever since younger brother,Ed,beat him in a leadership battle for the Left-wing party two years ago.

In a letter to his constituency party chairman in South Shields,he said it was “very difficult” for him to be leaving UK politics. “After the leadership election,I felt I could be most helpful to the party on the front line,in South Shields,and around the country,rather than on the front bench in Parliament,” he said.

“I felt this gave Ed the space and at the same time the support he needed to lead the party without distraction. He has done so with real success,leading a united team that has taken the fight to the Tories. I am very pleased and proud that our shared goal of making this a one-term Government is achievable,” he added.

Ed Miliband said he “will miss” his brother and that “British politics will be a poorer place without David”.