Ed Miliband has reportedly passed up the chance to launch a leadership bid, and is instead targeting the role of chancellor.
Allies of Miliband have told The Times the Energy Secretary wants to be "kingmaker" to a possible Andy Burnham leadership bid.
The outlet reports Miliband has ruled himself out of the running to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader should the embattled PM not survive the next general election.
But in return for backing Burnham's bid, Miliband could be offered the position of chancellor.
The Times reports Miliband could back Starmer in the short term to stave off a leadership challenge from Angela Rayner and give time for Burnham to become an MP.
One MP is quoted as saying: “Ed is hugely influential in the party, and people underestimate him at their own peril.
“He absolutely doesn’t want the leadership for himself but does see a role as being a kingmaker for Andy.”