Ed Miliband has received a major boost after winning the backing of a top trade union boss in the race to become Andy Burnham’s chancellor. It comes just days after Mr Burnham declared he would run to be the next prime minister following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
The former Manchester mayor rapidly emerged as the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir even before winning the Makerfield by-election. Speculation has been rampant about who the wannabe PM will bring into his cabinet, with Mr Miliband seen as a favourite due to his close ties with the Burnham campaign.
Now the boss of the country’s biggest trade union, Unison, has thrown her weight behind the Energy Secretary. Andrea Egan is said to want Mr Miliband instead of former health secretary Wes Streeting, a rival contender on the Right of the party.
The so-called “King of the North” is set to make a speech in his beloved Manchester on Monday, where he is expected to outline more of his economic plans. Commentators say his pick for chancellor is likely to be his most important decision.
Ms Egan said: “Andy Burnham has a historic opportunity to rebuild our country in the interests of workers and communities, but that chance will be squandered if his government is made up of politicians determined to continue the same failed approach.
“We need a chancellor who will rewire the economy and properly invest to improve the lives of the majority. Of those reported to be in the running, only Ed Miliband could enact the kinds of policies trade unions and our members urgently need.”
Mr Burnham is said to be in the process of pulling together his top team as it looks increasingly likely he will not face a challenge for the leadership. Labour’s ruling body confirmed on Thursday that a new leader would be announced on July 17 if there was only one candidate.
But there are reportedly attempts to stop Mr Miliband. One top union official told the Financial Times: “There are ongoing discussions to try to stop Ed Miliband. There is a GMB-Unite axis on this.”