Cruddas 'rejects government job'

Jon Cruddas was the only backbencher to run for the deputy leadership job

Labour backbencher Jon Cruddas has turned down a government job offered to him by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the BBC has learnt.

Mr Cruddas ran for the deputy leadership, topping the first round of the contest and getting the largest vote from the unions.

He lost out to Harriet Harman, coming third overall, but still beating more experienced and well-known rivals.

It is not known what job Mr Cruddas was offered by Mr Brown.