Prospective Labour Chancellor Shabana Mahmood was dealt a humiliating blow live on LBC by her own party MP, Rachael Maskell, who insisted Mahmood is "not tested" enough for the role. The exchange came after reports emerged that Andy Burnham is set to appoint Mahmood, the current home secretary, to replace Rachel Reeves next week.
Maskell Questions Mahmood's Experience
During a segment hosted by Ben Kentish, Maskell argued there are more qualified candidates for the treasury job. When asked if Mahmood would be a good appointment, Maskell replied: "I think he’s got more experience in the likes of Ed Miliband, who clearly worked as part of Gordon Brown’s team, he’s got that experience in the treasury. We’ve also got Yvette Cooper, who’s got a clear background in economy and lots of experience in government."
Maskell added: "I think there are other people who could do that job, because this isn’t about learning on the job now. We’ve got three years, we’ve got to be quick in there and able to be up and running – but also to have the courage and boldness to tell the treasury, which we know is a very difficult department, exactly how it needs to invest in our country in the future."
Kentish Presses on Mistake
Kentish clarified: "So it would be a mistake?" but Maskell dodged the question, repeating: "We need an experienced politician." He pressed: "Would it be a mistake to appoint Shabana Mahmood?" Maskell said: "Well, I don’t think Shabana Mahmood is tried and tested in that arena and I don’t think it would be fair on her and I don’t think it would be fair to expect her to then control the treasury."
She continued: "I think it would be far better to have people with experience in economics or working with the department to be able to drive that agenda. It will be about driving the treasury to make sure it works for all parts of the country."
Worrying Implications for Listeners
A worried Kentish replied: "It’s interesting, because what you’re effectively saying is the woman who seems set be the next Chancellor isn’t qualified for the job, which is quite a worry, I suspect, to my listeners!" Maskell would only say in response: "Well she’s not tested in that arena, as I said. It’s an incredibly challenging time."
