Nightmare for Ed Miliband as he is ‘blocked from becoming Andy Burnham’s chancellor’ | Politics | News

Andy Burnham’s allies are reportedly blocking Ed Miliband from becoming chancellor. Three figures close to the future prime minister told The State of It podcast they believed he had been persuaded not to give the top role to Mr Miliband.

An ally of Mr Burnham said: “Ed would be a lightning rod for criticism. He is out of the running.” Another said: “The tide has turned against Ed,” while a third added: “Looks like the right conclusion has been reached.”

It is said that Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood will be the candidate to replace Rachel Reeves.

It comes as the Energy Secretary, who is leading Labour’s net zero push, is at the center of speculation over who will be Mr Burnham’s chancellor.

There were reports that Mr Miliband was willing to approve more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea to secure the job.

Mr Burnham is set to replace Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Monday after becoming the sole candidate in the Labor Party leadership race.

The Makerfield MP, who largely dodged press questions after his by-election victory, delayed announcing his Cabinet until he was in 10th place.

It comes as the Conservative Party accused him of being “cowardly” by not confronting MPs before the summer recess.

The House of Commons will recess on Thursday and MPs will return to the debating chambers on September 1.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “In an unprecedented move, Labor has canceled the Conservative Party vote, forcing Andy Burnham to come to Parliament to answer questions when he becomes Prime Minister on Monday.

“Workers are afraid because they know the honeymoon will be over as soon as he has to tell us his plans.”