PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Former foreign secretary David Miliband is to embark on his first major task for Labour since being defeated by younger brother Ed in the party leadership contest, it has been announced.
After talks between the pair, whose relationship was put under intense pressure by the battle last year, David has agreed to tour universities across Britain to meet students.
He will hold question and answer sessions at more than 20 campuses over the next 12 months in a move that will be widely viewed as the first steps to an eventual return to frontline politics.
David Miliband said: "Young people face a Government that is dismantling opportunity and undermining ambition. I am looking forward to helping Ed build the foundations for success at the next general election by listening to students and encouraging them to see Labour as the voice for Britain's future in these tough times.
"By getting involved in Labour Students' Living Wage campaign I know we can make a real difference on the campuses of Britain, and prove that only the Labour Party represents the ideals of aspirational young people who want to see a better quality of life for themselves and their community."
The events will be hosted by politics and international relations departments and will cover domestic and global issues.
Mr Miliband will also promote Labour Students' national campaign for a Living Wage for employees at higher and further education institutions across the country.
His own venture, The Movement for Change, which aims to train future leaders, will also support the campaign.
Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I am delighted David is taking on this role. He is a big asset to the Labour Party and I am confident he can bring our message to campuses up and down Britain.
"This builds on work which he was already doing with universities and I know that in this role David will help our party as we look outwards to engage people - particularly the next generation - so that we can face the future with hope."