Miliband 'not tainted by Iraq conflict'

London: David Miliband, the youngest foreign minister in 30 years, is a rising star untainted by the Iraq war whose diplomatic skills will be tested to the full in trying to overhaul policy in the Middle East.

Miliband, named in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's cabinet yesterday, is widely reported to have been sceptical about Tony Blair's decision to send British troops to Iraq in 2003.

British media say Miliband, 41, also voiced dismay in cabinet at the former prime minister's reluctance to call for an immediate truce during last year's Lebanon war, a decision which preceded a party revolt against Blair.

His appointment is a further sign that Gordon Brown, who took over from Blair on Wednesday, wants to distance his government from his predecessor's approach on the Iraq war - which ultimately proved deeply unpopular among voters.

"It's a clear indication Brown wants to shift some of the style and focus of Blair's foreign policy," said David Mepham, head of the international unit at the Institute for Public Policy Research.

"Miliband wasn't closely associated with the decisions that were taken in the Iraq war. It's an asset when meeting foreign secretaries in other countries in getting people to focus instead on the problem of how to move things forward in Iraq."

The former environment secretary was once Blair's top policy adviser and has also chalked up experience as minister for local government, for cabinet office and for schools - earning him a reputation for being able to master new projects quickly.

Expert

"He's obviously a big hitter and a thinker who's an expert on a range of issues," said Stephen Doughty, head of government relations for Oxfam.

Noted as having a quick brain and affable style, Miliband's intelligence has at times made him appear aloof. But his aides are unswervingly loyal and environmental groups have praised his diligence and dedication.

He has risen quickly through Labour Party ranks and moved rapidly from one job to another.

"One of the faults of New Labour is endless reshuffles. Miliband is a capable, bright man but he needs to be left somewhere long enough to achieve something," a parliamentary source said.

"Diplomacy is all about getting to know your opposite numbers. [Former Foreign Secretary Margaret] Beckett had been there only just long enough to start doing that. Miliband will take at least a year to bed in," the source added.