Downing Street has refused to comment on speculation that Alan Milburn could make a return to the Cabinet.

Reports suggest the former health secretary would share the role of Labour Party chairman with Ian McCartney, who has been under pressure after poor local and European election results.

Milburn resigned last year to spend more time with his family.

His successor at the Department of Health, John Reid, refused to confirm or deny the reports.

"If you ask me whether we miss people of the talent of Alan Milburn, then yes, by God, we do," he said.

But the Guardian reports that allies of Gordon Brown are ready to block the move, amid concerns that Milburn's high profile in a general election campaign could disrupt chains of command including the roles given to the chancellor and minister Douglas Alexander. 

The Times says that John Prescott is also resisting the plan.