Multiple UK outlets report that Shabana Mahmood is now the leading candidate to be appointed chancellor by Andy Burnham, as Labour’s internal discussions intensify around who should fill the role. The Financial Times, The Guardian, The i and other coverage say Mahmood is expected to move from her current position as home secretary to the Treasury, with senior Labour figures describing her as the frontrunner.
The reporting also points to uncertainty over the possibility of Ed Miliband being chosen for the chancellorship. The Guardian and The i describe a “briefing war” and campaigning by opponents of Miliband, who are trying to prevent him from entering No 11 and from being appointed to the top Treasury post. The outlets frame this as part of a broader, ongoing contest over the direction of Burnham’s team rather than a settled decision.
While the Financial Times and The Guardian indicate Mahmood is ahead in the race, the coverage underscores that Andy Burnham still faces a choice about whom to appoint as chancellor as discussions continue.
