Labour 'tried to recruit Nick Robinson' as Miliband's spin doctor

BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson has revealed Labour tried to recruit him to be Ed Miliband's spin doctor in the run-up to the General Election.

Robinson said he was approached by "a senior Labour figure" ten months before the election with the promise of a job in No 10 if the party was successful in its bid for power.

However, the broadcaster declined the offer, saying he remained "committed to journalism".

Robinson, who recently underwent treatment for cancer, revealed the details in his latest book, which is being serialised in The Mail on Sunday.

He describes how, on "a rather bad mobile line," he was told by the senior Labour figure, "The party knows it has a problem and is determined to fix it. The leader needs advice, and it has to come from someone with sufficient stature to ensure he'll listen to it."

Robinson said he originally thought he was being asked if he could recommend someone to take charge of Miliband's "presentational difficulties".

Robinson said he had no idea whether the approach had been made with Miliband's knowledge or - as he thought was more likely - by "someone freelancing to try to be helpful".