𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

But readers favoured Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting for the position, although the overwhelming majority called for “none of the above” to become the government’s chief financial minister. Mr Streeting received 608 votes, while Ms Mahmood trailed behind him on 205, but both were leages ahead of Mr Miliband, who received just 55 votes, only two more than Ms Reeves herself.

Over 1,400 voted for “none of the above”, with Burnham ally Miatta Fahnbulleh in last place with 28 votes. Express readers weren’t the only ones opposed to a Mr Miliband-led Treasury, with senior minister Darren Jones also appearing to advise Mr Burnham against such a move this week.

Mr Jones declined to give his support to Mr Miliband while setting out a series of “tests” to determine the next occupant of Number 11.

He also urged Mr Burnham to set out more of his economic policies for the “upwards of 100 MPs” who were concerned about his plans or “feeling pretty depressed” by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

If no other candidate secures the 81 nominations necessary to get on to the ballot for the Labour leadership, Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street by July 18.

Sir Keir has already authorised “access talks” between leadership contenders and the Civil Service, meaning Mr Burnham and his team can receive Government briefings once he shows he has the support of 81 Labour MPs.

There had been speculation that the current Prime Minister could be offered an international role such as foreign secretary, but No 10 played down any prospect of a future Cabinet position on Wednesday.

Downing Street indicated that Sir Keir intends to stay on as a backbench MP for the rest of his Parliament when asked about his future in the Commons.

Pressed on whether he would take a Cabinet job if he was offered one, the Prime Minister’s political spokesperson said he had told his ministers: “This is the end of my journey, but this is not the end of yours.”

Other senior Labour figures tipped for top jobs in a government led by Mr Burnham include Mr Streeting, Ms Mahmood and former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.