With Sir Keir Starmer's departure imminent and Andy Burnham the presumed incoming Prime Minister, a wave of senior Labour figures have been publicly manoeuvring for top jobs in his government. The Daily Mail reports that at least eight current or former Cabinet ministers have arranged high-profile appearances as they jostle for position, though Burnham is expected to withhold any appointments until he formally takes over from Starmer.

Among those tipped or seeking roles are Ed Miliband, pushed by allies as the next Chancellor despite unease from business, unions and party moderates, alongside Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood, Pat McFadden, Peter Kyle, James Murray, Emma Reynolds and Darren Jones. Burnham faces a delicate balancing act, with female Labour MPs demanding gender equality in the ministerial ranks. David Miliband is also floated for a surprise return as Foreign Secretary, while current Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper faces criticism from colleagues, one branding her "useless".