Andy Burnham's first major decision as incoming prime minister has triggered an immediate civil war within the Labour Party. The Greater Manchester mayor will reportedly appoint Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as chancellor on Monday, a move that has sparked a fierce backlash from left-wing Labour MPs who favour Ed Miliband for the role.
Backlash from Labour Backbenchers
Backbencher Rachael Maskell told Times Radio that selecting Ms Mahmood would be a mistake. She said: "I don't think Shabana would be the right person for Chancellor. I do think Ed Miliband would be a suitable candidate." Maskell argued that Miliband has demonstrated strong leadership in his department and that tying the Treasury with the climate agenda is crucial for future government expenditure.
Maskell added: "I do think he has got the skills and ability, experience to be able to drive forward a different agenda from Treasury, which is absolutely crucial, but also to push that out across the country as opposed to this real centralisation which has happened in the Treasury for decades upon decades."
Questions Over Mahmood's Economic Credentials
A senior ally of Mr Burnham said that Ms Mahmood "has no sense of the economics" and told The Times: "It's just not something she's ever spoken about. She's not collaborative. It's not clear how she would drive the machine." Another Labour MP added: "It's baffling a lot of people because nobody knows what her views are on the economy. Does she even have any? She's never done a speech or intervention. It's just absolutely bizarre and I can't see her as a sensible appointment."
The same MP contrasted Mahmood with Miliband, saying: "Ed would have been a much more experienced chancellor because his original background was in finance. He was central to Gordon Brown's team. It doesn't bode well for the fundamental rethink of how we actually do government."
Defence from Mahmood's Allies
Allies of Ms Mahmood highlighted her record in the Home Office, adding: "The fact she is willing to do what is right rather than what is popular is a very good trait." They pointed to her experience in a senior government role as evidence of her capability to handle the Treasury.
Cabinet Announcement Imminent
Mr Burnham is set to unveil his full cabinet after entering 10 Downing Street on Monday. Ms Mahmood, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have all been touted as possible candidates for chancellor. The decision to choose Mahmood over Miliband has already deepened divisions within the party, raising questions about the unity of the new government.
