Sharon Graham, the General Secretary of the Unite union, has publicly warned Andy Burnham against appointing Ed Miliband as Chancellor if Burnham becomes Prime Minister. In an open message to the newly-elected MP for Makerfield, Graham urged Burnham to support a return to North Sea oil drilling and to reverse Keir Starmer's plans to reduce sales targets for electric cars.
Leadership Speculation Intensifies
Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor, is widely expected to launch a leadership challenge following Labour's poor local election results, which saw Reform UK gain control of several councils in Labour strongholds. Rumours have circulated that Burnham is considering Miliband, the current Energy Secretary, for the role of Chancellor. However, Graham criticized Miliband's environmental focus, stating he has "no thought for jobs, skills and national security."
Speaking to The Times, Graham said: "It is no secret that I disagree with Ed on almost every issue relating to a workers' transition. Ed only seems to be interested in one side of the equation, rushing Britain to net zero with almost no thought for jobs, skills and national security." She added that a Labour chancellor needs a vision that understands and nurtures skills, and sees Britain as an industrial force.
Pressure on Starmer Mounts
Pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer has increased after Burnham's by-election victory, with over 100 Labour MPs now calling for Starmer to set out plans to step down. This represents about a quarter of Labour's 403 MPs. The calls have grown since Labour performed poorly in May's local elections. Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership challenge, insisting he will not "walk away."
Some MPs who previously rejected calls for a leadership election have reversed their stance. Former home secretary Alan Johnson told LBC his message to Starmer would be: "It's over, Keir." Starmer reportedly spoke to several Cabinet ministers on Friday, some of whom advised him to set a timetable for his departure.
Timeline for Transition
Westminster sources suggest a leadership contest could begin as early as next week, but Burnham's allies prefer a longer wait to prepare for government. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, a Burnham supporter, said after his by-election victory: "We really hope that this can be a managed and orderly transition and Keir Starmer will reflect on the results, and Andy and Keir can meet in the coming days, and over the next week, and agree a path forward." Burnham's camp wants Starmer to announce his plans soon but would accept a timetable that keeps him in No 10 until September.
