Defeated Miliband returned to his home this afternoon after announcing his resignation as Labour leader.

His entourage pulled up at around 4pm and Ed stepped out of a black car flanked by security guards.

He managed a smile for the waiting press but then walked briskly up the steps without stopping to answer any questions.

His wife Justine Thornton had arrived home earlier in the day.

Miliband is now coming to terms with a disastrous night which saw the party’s worst performance at an election since Neil Kinnock was leader.

He announced his resignation as Labour leader at midday at Labour party HQ.

He said: “I am truly sorry I did not succeed. I am tendering my resignation taking effect after this afternoon’s commemoration of VE day.

“The party needs to have an open and honest debate about the right way forward. Thank you to the British people. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I have learned so much from you. It has been an enormous privilege.

“Thank you for the support and thank you for the most unlikely cult of the 21st century. Milifandom.”

Miliband then joined newly re-elected David Cameron and Nick Clegg at the Cenotaph to observe the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, before joining his wife and family at home.

The national picture for Labour contrasts to the picture in Holborn and St Pancras, the constituency where his London home is based.

Here former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Keir Starmer increased Labour’s majority in Frank Dobson’s old constituency by a sweeping 7,000 votes.

Miliband’s resignation is likely to trigger a potentially bitter leadership fight as senior Labour figures vie for contention.

It could also mean that Mr Miliband’s brother, David, could return to help rebuild the Labour party and potentially lead it one day.