𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Andy Burnham was accused of being in “chaos” before he has even entered 10 Downing Street as a Labour civil war rages over his chancellor. The incoming prime minister, who will replace Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, is facing a backlash from the Labour left if he picks Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood over Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Ms Mahmood, who is on the right of the party, is said to be the frontrunner to replace Rachel Reeves amid concerns Mr Miliband could become a lightning rod for criticism.

Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said: “Burnham’s not even entered No10 and already his government is in chaos.

“You can change the Labour Party leader but you can’t change the fact Labour MPs are addicted to taxing and spending.

“Reform UK is the only party that will cut the waste on net zero subsidies, illegal migrants and benefits for people choosing not to work so we can lower taxes on working Britain.”

Tory Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride added: “Shabana Mahmood has a long record of calling for higher taxes.

“If she gets the job and wants to succeed where Rachel Reeves failed, she will need to learn the lessons of her predecessor’s disastrous economic record. Britain cannot afford yet another round of more tax, more spending and higher borrowing.

“Item number one in the next chancellor’s in-tray must be to get the welfare bill down to make space for reducing taxes and the deficit.”

Mr Burnham has insisted he has not decided on his top team and will make announcements on Monday.

But a bitter briefing war has erupted over who he will pick for the Treasury.

Mr Miliband was a favourite for the role but suggestions that he could enter 11 Downing Street rattled the markets and sparked criticism over his net zero stance.

But those on the left of the party have railed against Ms Mahmood over her immigration policies, which they want watered down.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell is among those calling for Mr Miliband to be chancellor.

She said: “Labour has to hit the ground running and therefore we need significant experience to lead the Treasury and oversee the movement of resources and power out into the country.

“I have been impressed by the leadership that Ed Miliband has shown in his department in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing us, and is well on the way to bringing real energy transition which is just and fair to all.

“With his past experience in the Treasury, I believe he would be an incredible asset. Everyone across the Parliamentary Labour Party has much to bring to the table, and therefore I want everyone’s skills, talents and experience to be used.”

Another Labour MP added: “The general election is up for grabs. Reform doesn’t have it in the bag. I’m a lot more hopeful that we can do it with Andy in charge. He is of the Labour Party in a way Keir never has been.

“The $64,000 question is whether he can make the hard decisions. He’s a people pleaser and he has to change that.”

They said that Ms Mahmood has “very little experience” and Mr Miliband would be a “disaster”, and suggested Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Labour backbencher Graham Stringer said he is backing Ms Mahmood, saying: “I think Andy Burnham has brought a sense of optimism to the Parliamentary Labour Party but without having the details of a firm plan that is next to useless.

“I think Starmer should have gone sooner and I think Andy should have been open with his plans for what he intends to do. If it came to a choice between Ed Miliband and Shabana, I’d support Shabana.”

Labour MP Luke Akehurst insisted Mr Burnham’s “inclusive” approach would help Labour “go forward in a spirit of unity”.

In a speech today as he officially became Labour leader, the PM-in-waiting insisted he has not yet decided on his Cabinet.

But the new Labour leader said his top team would include all parts of the party.

He said: “And contrary to what you may keep on reading, I haven’t made any decisions yet about who will be in that top team, but I will soon, and when I have, you will see it reflects all parts of our party, all communities, and it will reflect your own place within this great party of ours – a stronger, more united Labour Party lifting up a stronger and more united Britain.”