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David Miliband is expected to confirm he will not serve under his brother on Labour's front bench, as the deadline for the shadow cabinet approaches.
MPs who wish to be chosen for the shadow cabinet team must enter the contest by 5pm, with dozens of candidates expected for the 19 spaces.
The shadow foreign secretary left the conference in Manchester on Tuesday before returning to London.
The MP for South Shields has declined to comment on his plans for the future since losing the party leadership contest despite having a higher percentage of votes from MPs and party members.
The retirement of some of the front bench big names, including Alistair Darling, Lord Mandelson and Jack Straw, means there are a number of opportunities for those eager to obtain high-profile posts.
Under party rules, MPs vote to decide who will serve in the shadow cabinet team when the party is in opposition. A minimum quota of six women has been set in place as part of efforts to promote quality.
However, with places reserved for deputy leader Harriet Harman and Labour's leader in the Lords Baroness Royall, 10 or 11 of the shadow cabinet team could be female.
And for the first time, a separate ballot will take place to elect the chief whip in the Commons.
Voting for the shadow cabinet team takes place between October 4 and 7, with the results being announced that night at 9pm.
Ed Miliband will then put together his team before Parliament returns following the conference season on 11 October.
Meanwhile, fellow defeated leadership candidates Ed Balls and Andy Burnham are due today to take their turns on stage in front of party members.
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