Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman has expressed deep concern over the prospect of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood becoming Chancellor under incoming Labour leader Andy Burnham. Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, criticised Mahmood's record in government, accusing her of authoritarianism and small c conservatism.
Leishman's criticism of Mahmood's record
Leishman told the Daily Record: 'We need to harness the transformational boldness that have been the hallmarks of previous Labour governments. The new Chancellor must push back on the financial timidity that has been so prevalent these past 2 years, people voted for change and that’s got to start with the new Chancellor being brave enough to challenge the people that have so much power in how the Treasury operate.'
He added: 'I am concerned about the small c conservatism that Shabana has shown in her time at the Home Office and the authoritarianism when in Justice. The solutions to the problems millions of people face are to be found in real Labour policies that would redistribute wealth and power, I want to see a chancellor that shares those views.'
Burnham's upcoming Cabinet decisions
Andy Burnham is set to become Labour leader this afternoon and Prime Minister on Monday. One of his first tasks will be assembling a Cabinet that likely reflects his soft-Left instincts. Speculation had mounted that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband would be given the Treasury, but lobbying against him is said to have damaged his case.
Mahmood, whose policies have been credited with reducing immigration, has emerged as an alternative. The Birmingham Ladywood MP is seen as being on the 'Blue Labour' wing, which backs curbs on immigration but is interventionist on the economy.
Mahmood's economic stance
Reports suggest Mahmood is more left-wing on economics than on migration. She previously backed restoring the 50p income tax rate on high earnings and is said to have opposed Keir Starmer's cut to winter fuel payments.
Support for Miliband
Leishman's comments come after fellow left-wing Labour MP Rachael Maskell said she wanted Miliband as Chancellor. Maskell stated: 'I don’t think Shabana would be the right person for Chancellor. I do think Ed Miliband would be a suitable candidate. Not only have I seen the way that he has led his department, and if any department in government needs leadership it is the Treasury, but also I think tying in with the climate agenda is crucial when we know that the expenditure of governments into the future is going to be addressing the challenges which climate is throwing up at us.'
