A Labour civil war is brewing as several Cabinet ministers scramble to be appointed chancellor by Andy Burnham if he becomes prime minister. Rachel Reeves's top aide urged some of Britain's biggest companies and trade associations to lobby Mr Burnham to keep her as Chancellor, it has emerged, after reports she faces the sack.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is also said to be gunning for the role, but his bid could be thwarted by trade unions questioning his zeal for net zero's impact on the Treasury. Former health secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have also been thrown into the ring. Health Secretary James Murray publicly backed Burnham, citing his "amazing track record" in Greater Manchester.
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, days after the former Manchester mayor was elected as the MP for Makerfield. Andy Burnham will likely become Labour leader on July 17, according to a timetable published by the National Executive Committee (NEC), with nominations opening on July 9.
