𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Andy Burnham’s allies have reportedly blocked Ed Miliband from becoming chancellor. Three figures close to the prime minister-in-waiting told The State of It podcast that they believe he has been persuaded not to hand the top role to Mr Miliband.

One ally of Mr Burnham said: “Ed would have been a lightning rod for criticism. He is out of the running.” Another said “the tide has turned against Ed”, while a third added that “it looks like the right outcome has been reached”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to be the frontrunner to replace Rachel Reeves.

It comes as the Energy Secretary, who has been leading Labour’s net zero push, has been at the centre of speculation over who will be Mr Burnham’s chancellor.

There were reports that Mr Miliband was willing to approve more North Sea oil and gas drilling in order to secure the job.

Mr Burnham is set to succeed Sir Keir Starmer in 10 Downing Street on Monday after being the only candidate in Labour’s leadership race.

The Makerfield MP, who has largely dodged questions from the press following his by-election win, has delayed announcing his Cabinet until he enters No 10.

It comes as the Tories have accused him of “running scared” by not facing MPs before they break for the summer.

The House of Commons is due to rise for recess on Thursday, with MPs set to return to the debating chambers on September 1.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “In an unprecedented move, Labour have scrapped the Conservative vote to force Andy Burnham to come to Parliament to answer questions when he becomes PM on Monday.

“Labour are running scared because they know the honeymoon will be over the minute he has to tell us his plans.”