DAN HODGES: What Labour insiders are telling me about Burnham’s ‘U-turn’ on Chancellor, Ed Miliband’s ‘furious’ reaction and the replacement who may be the new PM’s only option
Andy Burnham, set to become Prime Minister, may be reversing his earlier commitment to appoint Ed Miliband as Chancellor, causing considerable frustration among Labour figures. Miliband had spent months collaborating with Burnham on economic policy and believed the Treasury position was secured, but is reportedly angry at reports he may be passed over. Though sources close to Burnham indicate no final decision has been made, reversing course on such a pivotal appointment threatens to destabilize the incoming government's coherence.
Multiple explanations have been offered for the potential reversal. Union concerns about Miliband's environmental policies, financial market anxiety regarding his appointment, and gender representation worries have all been cited. The most prominent theory suggests Burnham is uncomfortable replacing Rachel Reeves, the party's most senior female politician, with Miliband, a former male party leader. This shift in thinking has elevated Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the leading contender for the Chancellor position, with supporters actively signalling her candidacy to journalists.
- PM-elect Burnham may reverse decision to appoint Ed Miliband as Chancellor, angering Labour insiders who believed the role was his
- Possible reasons: union opposition to Miliband's environmental agenda, market concerns about his appointment, and gender balance issues replacing female predecessor with male ex-leader
- Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, has emerged as the frontrunner alternative for the Treasury role