Ed Miliband ‘furious and let down’ after being snubbed for Chancellor by Andy Burnham, says New Labour ally Ed Balls

Ed Miliband is said to be "furious and let down" after being passed over for the role of Chancellor by Andy Burnham, according to former Labour Chancellor Ed Balls. The claim highlights apparent tensions within Labour's top ranks as Burnham reshapes the party's frontbench and policy direction, distancing himself from New Labour-era figures and approaches in the process.

Balls, a New Labour ally and prominent commentator, suggested Miliband had expected to be given the senior economic brief but was overlooked in favour of another appointment. The snub comes as Burnham is also reported to be moving away from Tony Blair-era policies, including scrapping the target to send half of young people to university, and facing scrutiny over reported plans for a possible inheritance tax overhaul to fund social care.