𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Andy Burnham is facing a left-wing Labour revolt over plans to appoint Shabana Mahmood as chancellor rather than Ed Miliband. The incoming PM will reportedly confirm on Monday that the Home Secretary will replace Rachel Reeves in 11 Downing Street.

But reports that Ms Mahmood, who is on the right of the party, will be chancellor have sparked a backlash from some Labour MPs. Backbencher Rachael Maskell told Times Radio that selecting Ms Mahmood would be a mistake. She said: “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.

“I do think he has got the skills and ability, experience to be able to drive forward a different agenda from Treasury, which is absolutely crucial, but also to push that out across the country as opposed to this real centralisation which has happened in the Treasury for decades upon decades.”

A senior ally of Mr Burnham said that Ms Mahmood “has no sense of the economics”

They told The Times: “It’s just not something she’s ever spoken about. She’s not collaborative. It’s not clear how she would drive the machine.”

Another Labour MP added: “It’s baffling a lot of people because nobody knows what her views are on the economy. Does she even have any? She’s never done a speech or intervention. It’s just absolutely bizarre and I can’t see her as a sensible appointment.

“Ed would have been a much more experienced chancellor because his original background was in finance. He was central to Gordon Brown’s team. It doesn’t bode well for the fundamental rethink of how we actually do government.”

Allies of Ms Mahmood highlighted her record in the Home Office, adding: “The fact she is willing to do what is right rather than what is popular is a very good trait.”

It comes as Mr Burnham will unveil his Cabinet after entering 10 Downing Street on Monday.

Ms Mahmood, Energy Secretary Mr Miliband and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have all been touted as possible candidates to be chancellor.