Former foreign secretary David Miliband has praised Andy Burnham's “openness and energy”, calling them “very attractive and positive” qualities. Speaking at a London event, Miliband described the Makerfield MP and likely successor to Sir Keir Starmer as having a “remarkable ability” to listen, connect, and process information.
Miliband Hails Burnham and Purnell
Miliband also commended the appointment of former cabinet colleague James Purnell as Burnham's chief of staff, calling it “fantastic”. He noted that he entered Parliament with both Burnham and Purnell in 2001, adding: “I’m a youthful optimist.”
However, when asked whether he would be interested in serving in a potential Burnham administration, Miliband pointedly ignored the question. He stepped down as an MP in 2013 to lead the International Rescue Committee in New York and was narrowly defeated by his brother Ed in the 2010 Labour leadership contest, in which Burnham finished fourth.
Burnham's Path to Downing Street
The former Greater Manchester mayor is widely expected to succeed Sir Keir as Labour leader by July 17, with no other contenders having stepped forward. If unchallenged, Burnham could become prime minister as early as July 20. He is currently considering cabinet appointments, with Rachel Reeves reportedly stepping down as Chancellor and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband being considered as her replacement, despite pushback from some over his net-zero policies.
Miliband expressed optimism about Burnham's potential support for international aid, which was cut by the current government to increase defence spending. “I’m very optimistic, actually,” he said.
