David Miliband pitches TV ideas to BBC

Former foreign secretary David Miliband has reportedly pitched some television programme ideas to the BBC.

After narrowly losing out in the Labour leadership race to his brother Ed, Miliband opted to return to the backbenches rather than serve in the shadow cabinet.

According to the Observer, the South Shields MP has now approached the BBC with a number of different programme ideas.

It is unclear whether the pitches are for one-off documentaries or entire series, but it is thought that Miliband would take the presenting role on-screen.

Should the move transpire, Miliband would follow former Tory leadership hopeful Michael Portillo, who presented various TV shows and documentaries after leaving the Commons.

However, sources close to Miliband have indicated that he would not give up his seat and the TV idea was just "one of many things David is thinking about".

In a statement, a spokesman for the MP said: "David is talking to a range of organisations about his interest in foreign and environmental policy."

A BBC spokesman confirmed that Miliband had approached the corporation with "some programme ideas", but claimed that no "substantive discussions" have taken place.

He added: "The BBC receives suggestions from a wide variety of sources and these will be considered in the same way as any others. No substantive discussions have taken place with Mr Miliband."