Andy Burnham is facing the first major rebellion of his premiership, with his entire political future hanging in the balance. The prime minister-designate must decide whether to appoint energy secretary Ed Miliband as chancellor, a move that critics warn could plunge Labour into civil war, destroy Burnham's personal authority, and smash the UK economy.
Burnham's Unpopular Choice
Burnham is being swarmed by MPs desperate for promotion, but the frontrunner for the Treasury is Ed Miliband, whom many see as the worst candidate imaginable. According to a report by Harvey Jones, Burnham appears to understand the danger, but he must make an unpopular choice—something difficult for a man who likes being liked.
The threat is real: Miliband's relentless pursuit of net zero has already devastated Aberdeen through restrictions on oil and gas drilling, and as chancellor, he could cripple Britain's economy. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, warned that Miliband would be a “noose around the neck” of job creation, while the GMB union is furious at his jobs destruction programme.
Miliband's Record of Conflict
Miliband is not a team player, according to sources. He talks over cabinet members, skips meetings, refuses to pick up the phone, and plots against his own PM. Keir Starmer and a host of cabinet members, including Rachel Reeves, tried to stop him, but he never listens. One MP told The Daily Telegraph that appointing Miliband would mean “you are basically handing over control, and you’ll never get it back”.
This mirrors the dynamic of New Labour, where Chancellor Gordon Brown sunk PM Tony Blair. Similarly, Miliband would sink Burnham if given the chance. The only way to prevent that is not to appoint him.
Warning from Treasury Minister
Treasury minister Darren Jones sent an indirect warning, saying the next chancellor must not try to “control” the PM but instead reassure markets, trade unions, Labour MPs, and the public. Translation: don’t appoint Ed Miliband.
Burnham's Dilemma
Burnham knows he must appoint anyone but Ed. However, he is currently enjoying party adulation, as seen in the photo of MPs applauding his arrival at Westminster. If he blocks Miliband, some will be furious, while others will breathe a sigh of relief. He cannot please everyone.
This is Burnham's first real test. Give Miliband what he wants, and he hands control of the government to an ideological loose cannon. Say no, and face a furious backlash from the Labour left. There is only one sensible choice. The question is whether Burnham has the guts to make it. If he doesn't, he's doomed.
