SENIOR Labour figures are urging up and coming MP Ed Miliband to stand for the party leadership.

The group, understood to include former prime minsters Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, as well as Alan Johnson and Peter Mandelson, believe Miliband can rebuild the party’s support and appeal to middle England.

The relatively unknown MP for Doncaster North is the younger brother of former foreign secretary David Miliband and was described by the Guardian earlier this year as ‘one to watch’.

A source said: “He’s young, clever, incredibly charismatic and at the same time very down to earth. He also has some great policy ideas.”

Another senior figure added: “We need to move forward. It’s not about recapturing the energy of New Labour, it’s about finding that fresh, distinctive voice that will inspire confidence in aspirational middle class voters.”

Miliband refused be drawn on his intentions, but said: “I think I may be a bit too young and inexperienced, but I can’t deny that it would also be a great honour.

“Plus, I have done it before.”