The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Manchester

He is nicknamed "Brains", has left- wing politics in his blood and is loved by the Labour Party faithful, but David Miliband insists he does not want a coup against Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The 43-year-old British foreign secretary is the clear favourite to take over if Brown does quit in the face of a festering rebellion in the ruling party, although he says he does not support a leadership election and wants unity.

That did not stop Miliband giving two interviews on the eve of Labour's annual meeting here about his ideas and personal life, including how he met his concert violinist wife on a plane and his love for his two young adopted sons.

At the conference, he has tried to rally the party with his vision of Labour's future.