Ed Miliband wants Rosamund Pike to be the first female James Bond

Labour leader calls on franchise to 'move with the times' and appoint a woman to be the next James Bond

Rosamund Pike played Bond girld Miranda Frost, who died in Die Another Day (PA)

Ed Miliband has unveiled his latest policy: he wants a female James Bond.

The Labour leader met Rosamund Pike today and tipped her to make history by becoming the first woman in the role.

"I think she's a great British actress, she'd make a great Bond,” Mr Miliband said during a visit to Magic Radio studios.

"This is 2015, I think we can move with the times."

Ed Miliband on a visit to Manchester today (PA)

Ms Pike is a former Bond girl – she played the role of Miranda Frost, who died in the 2002 film Die Another Day.

Mr Miliband has made gender equality a key part of his campaign and has committed to ensuring his Labour Cabinet team is 50 per cent female. He now wants the makers of James Bond to follow his lead.

He also revealed his music tastes, saying he was “a bit of an 80s fan”.

Rosamund Pike as Miranda Frost in 'Die Another Day'

“I like bad taste - things like Take On Me,” by Norwegian pop band A-ha.

"I'm aware of both Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. I've heard them on radio and both of them are huge exports - they're great artists.

"It's brilliant we have a great number of great British artists, it makes us incredibly proud."

He also revealed that the band Bastille had impressed him at a charity concert he attended recently. Singer Ellie Goulding invited him along, Mr Miliband said.