Labour's David Miliband to step down as MP

A close friend of David Miliband has confirmed that he is to quit Parliament to take up a "big international job based in New York".

The BBC understands that Mr Miliband will take over the role of CEO of the International Rescue Committee.

According to its website, the charity works in more than 40 countries and responds to "the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives".

The move will spark a by-election in his South Shields constituency, as the BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson explains.