Andy Burnham has been accused of presiding over 'chaos' before even entering 10 Downing Street, as a Labour civil war intensifies over his choice of chancellor. The incoming prime minister, set to replace Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, faces a backlash from the Labour left if he selects Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood over Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Frontrunner Status and Factional Tensions
Ms Mahmood, who represents the right wing of the party, is considered the frontrunner to succeed Rachel Reeves. Concerns have been raised that Mr Miliband, a favourite among left-leaning MPs, could become a lightning rod for criticism over his net zero stance. A bitter briefing war has erupted, with both factions vying for influence over Burnham's decision.
Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick seized on the discord, stating: "Burnham's not even entered No10 and already his government is in chaos. You can change the Labour Party leader but you can't change the fact Labour MPs are addicted to taxing and spending." He added that Reform UK is the only party that will cut waste on net zero subsidies, illegal migrants, and benefits for those not working to lower taxes on working Britain.
Criticism from the Conservatives
Tory Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride also weighed in, saying: "Shabana Mahmood has a long record of calling for higher taxes. If she gets the job and wants to succeed where Rachel Reeves failed, she will need to learn the lessons of her predecessor's disastrous economic record. Britain cannot afford yet another round of more tax, more spending and higher borrowing." He emphasised that the next chancellor's top priority must be reducing the welfare bill to make space for lowering taxes and the deficit.
Mr Burnham has insisted he has not yet decided on his top team and will make announcements on Monday. However, speculation remains rife, with suggestions that Mr Miliband's potential appointment to 11 Downing Street has rattled markets and drawn criticism over his environmental policies.
Internal Labour Reactions
Labour MP Rachael Maskell is among those backing Mr Miliband for chancellor. She said: "Labour has to hit the ground running and therefore we need significant experience to lead the Treasury and oversee the movement of resources and power out into the country. I have been impressed by the leadership that Ed Miliband has shown in his department in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing us, and is well on the way to bringing real energy transition which is just and fair to all. With his past experience in the Treasury, I believe he would be an incredible asset."
Another Labour MP, speaking anonymously, expressed cautious optimism: "The general election is up for grabs. Reform doesn't have it in the bag. I'm a lot more hopeful that we can do it with Andy in charge. He is of the Labour Party in a way Keir never has been. The $64,000 question is whether he can make the hard decisions. He's a people pleaser and he has to change that." The same MP criticised Ms Mahmood as having "very little experience" and labelled Mr Miliband a "disaster", suggesting Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as an alternative.
Support for Mahmood and Calls for Unity
Labour backbencher Graham Stringer voiced support for Ms Mahmood, saying: "I think Andy Burnham has brought a sense of optimism to the Parliamentary Labour Party but without having the details of a firm plan that is next to useless. I think Starmer should have gone sooner and I think Andy should have been open with his plans for what he intends to do. If it came to a choice between Ed Miliband and Shabana, I'd support Shabana."
Labour MP Luke Akehurst struck a more conciliatory tone, insisting Mr Burnham's "inclusive" approach would help Labour "go forward in a spirit of unity." In a speech today as he officially became Labour leader, the PM-in-waiting reiterated that he has not yet finalised his Cabinet but promised it would reflect all parts of the party. He said: "And contrary to what you may keep on reading, I haven't made any decisions yet about who will be in that top team, but I will soon, and when I have, you will see it reflects all parts of our party, all communities, and it will reflect your own place within this great party of ours – a stronger, more united Labour Party lifting up a stronger and more united Britain."
