Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, used Prime Minister's Questions to deliver a devastating critique of Ed Miliband, the man widely tipped to become Chancellor under incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Badenoch argued that Miliband's record as Energy Secretary and former Labour leader makes him unfit for the Treasury role.
Badenoch's Attack on Miliband's Record
Badenoch began by targeting current Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is expected to leave office alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. She accused Reeves of "snatching the winter fuel payment" and delivering "a disastrous budget that killed economic growth," leaving office with higher unemployment. However, Badenoch quickly turned her focus to Miliband, stating: "But the Chancellor isn't the only person who let him down. The Energy Secretary is putting up bills and killing jobs. He was a failed Labour leader, rejected by the electorate, brought back from the wilderness by this man, and when the going got tough, he jumped into bed with the mayor of Manchester."
Allegations of Betrayal
Badenoch reminded MPs of Miliband's past, saying: "It's not the first time he's betrayed someone close to him, is it?" This refers to the 2010 Labour leadership contest, where Ed Miliband defeated his brother David Miliband after reportedly urging David to wait before challenging Gordon Brown. Critics view this as a betrayal, and Badenoch drew parallels to recent events where Miliband allegedly urged Starmer to quit and aligned with Burnham. She asked: "Does the Prime Minister think that his treachery should be rewarded by being appointed Chancellor?"
Impact on Burnham's Decision
According to Express columnist Jonathan Walker, Burnham is believed to favour Miliband for Chancellor, but Badenoch's speech may cause him to reconsider. Walker argues that appointing Miliband would be a "huge mistake," and Badenoch's intervention may have done Burnham a favour by highlighting the risks. Labour MPs are reportedly asking the same question, increasing pressure on Burnham to choose a different candidate.
