Alistair Darling has urged David Miliband to remain in frontline politics, saying he still has a "huge" contribution to make to the Labour Party.
The outgoing shadow chancellor disclosed that he had met Mr Miliband over a drink since he was beaten to the Labour leadership by younger brother Ed at the weekend.
Mr Darling declined to say who he was backing to take over as shadow chancellor, but lavished praise on David Miliband.
"I hope David remains heavily engaged in the Labour Party in whatever way he thinks appropriate and whatever way Ed thinks appropriate," he told a conference fringe event organised by The Independent newspaper.
"He's still young and he has a huge amount to give."
His comments came amid mounting fears among supporters of the elder Miliband that he might walk away from the shadow cabinet in the wake of his shattering defeat.
It is thought that he can expect the shadow chancellorship if he agrees to serve under his brother, but he has refused several opportunities to say whether he would take up the offer.
Ed Miliband is giving his first speech as leader at the Labour Party conference in Manchester later.
