Labour Members Favor Miliband for Chancellor Over Reeves in Hypothetical Burnham Premiership, Poll Suggests

A recent poll of Labour Party members suggests a preference for Ed Miliband to serve as Chancellor if Andy Burnham were to become Prime Minister. The YouGov survey, conducted between June 25 and July 3 among 752 Labour members, found that 21% of respondents favored the current Energy Secretary, often referred to as 'Red Ed,' for the Treasury position.

In contrast, 20% of members backed Rachel Reeves to remain as Chancellor under a hypothetical Burnham premiership. These two figures were the only prominent Labour politicians to garner substantial support for the role in the poll. Nearly three in ten members (28%) expressed uncertainty about their choice for Chancellor, while only 6% supported Wes Streeting, the former health secretary. Other potential candidates received 5% of the vote or less.

Spending Priorities

The poll also highlighted a divergence on welfare spending. Approximately 35% of Labour members want Mr. Burnham to increase welfare spending if he were Prime Minister, compared to 27% who favor a reduction in the benefits bill. Another 34% believe welfare spending should be maintained at its current level. This finding comes despite Mr. Burnham recently stating he is not 'squeamish' about potential welfare cuts.

Wider Implications and Criticisms

The results could fuel concerns about a potential leftward shift within the Labour Party under Mr. Burnham's leadership, should he attempt to align with the preferences of the party membership. Mr. Miliband's potential appointment as Chancellor has drawn criticism from some quarters. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of the Unite trade union, has warned that such a move would be detrimental to job creation. She has previously characterized Mr. Miliband's policy of banning new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea as an 'act of self-harm.'

Additionally, senior officials within the Trump administration have reportedly privately expressed concerns about Mr. Miliband assuming the role of Chancellor, citing his opposition to new North Sea drilling. These concerns echo public criticisms from the US President regarding the Labour government's stance on fossil fuels.

Speculation also exists at Westminster about the potential return of David Miliband, Ed Miliband's brother, to a government role, possibly as Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Burnham is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister on July 20.