A major Labour donor has cautioned Andy Burnham that appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor would invite controversy and undermine the new leader's fresh start. Dale Vince, the founder of Ecotricity who donated £5 million to Labour ahead of the 2024 General Election, voiced his preference for Shabana Mahmood over Miliband for the top Treasury role.
Dale Vince voices strong opposition to Miliband as chancellor
Speaking to reporters, Vince stated: “When it comes to the chancellor, if the choice really is Mahmood or Miliband, then I think it’s an easy decision. Mahmood.” He argued that Miliband carries “too much baggage,” citing poor spending decisions during his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Vince accused Miliband of undermining net zero targets and failing to lower energy bills, which he said damaged the former Labour leader's credibility to manage the national economy. “Andy needs a clean start, and Ed would be a lightning rod for old issues,” Vince added.
Criticism of Miliband's energy policies
The green energy tycoon specifically criticised Miliband’s commitment of tens of billions of pounds to heat pumps and carbon capture technology, the latter of which Vince described as largely unproven on a global scale. He also faulted Miliband for not breaking the link between gas and electricity prices, a key goal of energy reform.
Vince, who attended Burnham’s coronation as Labour leader on Friday, praised Burnham’s speech as “exciting, electric at times.” He noted that Burnham gave “a real sense of bold policy moves to come and clear sightedness over the need to take back control of our vital infrastructure.”
Burnham to announce cabinet on Monday
Burnham confirmed on Friday that he would announce his cabinet on Monday, insisting that revealing ministerial appointments before entering No 10 would cause “complete chaos.” Vince said he expects to hear about the chancellor decision on Monday as well.
The warning from Vince adds pressure on Burnham as he prepares to form his government, with internal divisions already emerging over key appointments.
