'Why I can't give Gordon Brown a job'

Ed Miliband is resisting calls for him to find a job for his predecessor, Gordon Brown, amid growing complaints that the former prime minister should be given "a big role" after two years on the sidelines.

The Labour leader maintained that he did not have the powers to give Mr Brown a job – but said he could help out in the referendum campaign in Scotland.

Senior Labour MPs argue Mr Brown could be given a role helping fight poverty in Africa. But Mr Miliband told the IoS: "I don't think jobs are in my gift really, but I think he'll be an important part of the referendum campaign in Scotland.

"I think his voice will be important in that, there is huge respect and admiration for him in Scotland, and I think he can be an important part of that campaign."