Miliband should run, says Clarke

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Environment Secretary David Miliband should challenge Gordon Brown for the leadership of the Labour Party, former Home Secretary Charles Clarke has said.

Mr Clarke told The Independent that Mr Miliband would be a "good candidate and a good prime minister".

He also said some decisions by John Reid, his successor as home secretary, "appear to be driven by the desire to secure tabloid approval".

Mr Clarke, a supporter of Tony Blair, has not ruled out standing for leader.

'Great prime minister'

Asked about whether he would do so, he told The Independent: "Unlikely but not impossible."

Last month, Mr Clarke and former Health Secretary Alan Milburn launched a website, The 2020 Vision, to debate future policies with both the party and the public.

Mr Clarke said this was not about "stopping Gordon Brown" but "promoting serious policy and political discussion".

Asked how history would judge Mr Blair, he replied: "As a great prime minister who changed this country for the better, but failed to make the most of his opportunities."

Mr Clarke was also questioned on whether he felt any "satisfaction" that problems at the Home Office had continued since he was replaced by Mr Reid, who has also not ruled himself out of any leadership contest.

He said: "None at all, but I am very sorry that the important reforms, for example of the police, have been abandoned and I regret that some decisions appear to be driven by the desire to secure tabloid approval, rather than consistent policy objectives."

Mr Brown is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mr Blair as prime minister when he steps down this summer.

The only two Labour MPs to say they will challenge him are John McDonnell and Michael Meacher although they are not judged to have realistic chances of beating Mr Brown.

Some of those seeking a heavyweight challenger to Mr Brown have urged Mr Miliband to stand, but the environment secretary has repeatedly insisted he will not run for the leadership.