Ed Miliband has come under scrutiny over his potential appointment as chancellor should Andy Burnham become prime minister next month, drawing mixed reactions from across the political and business spectrum.
Lord Walker of Broxton, known as the government’s cost-of-living tsar and executive chairman of Iceland supermarkets, cautioned that placing Miliband in charge of the Treasury would be detrimental. Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Lord Walker described Miliband’s economic and environmental stance as “too ideological,” arguing that current climate policies impose regressive financial pressures on households and energy consumers. He warned that financial markets and business communities would respond negatively to Miliband’s leadership, potentially causing significant disruption. “Climate change is real, I believe in science, but how we’re going about it is far too ideological,” Walker said. He emphasized that ongoing energy levies on consumers were unfair, suggesting alternative approaches could better balance environmental goals with economic impact.
Despite these warnings, Miliband received support from parts of the trade union movement. The TSSA transport workers’ union, through its general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust, endorsed him as the next chancellor. Eslamdoust argued the Labour Party requires “an experienced hand” dedicated to addressing the needs of working people and promoting sustainable economic growth through strategic infrastructure investment. She highlighted the necessity for growth to translate into improved wages, secure employment, and rising living standards.
However, some unions have taken an opposing view. Unite and GMB have actively lobbied Burnham against appointing Miliband, citing concerns that his environmental policies could exacerbate energy costs and harm jobs in the oil and gas sector. Their position aligns with criticisms from certain Labour MPs who back Burnham’s leadership but oppose Miliband’s potential role as chancellor.
Meanwhile, speculation has arisen around the possible return of David Miliband to frontline politics. The former foreign secretary declined to rule out a Cabinet appointment under Burnham, stating only that the new prime minister would “make his own choices.” David Miliband, who currently leads the International Rescue Committee, also expressed expectations that Burnham’s government might take a more expansive approach to reversing Brexit. Despite his high-profile international career and substantial personal earnings, Miliband voiced concerns about wealth inequality in Europe.
The complex dynamics within the Labour Party are further complicated by the historically fraught relationship between the two Miliband brothers. Having not spoken for several years after Ed Miliband’s 2010 leadership defeat to David, questions remain about their willingness and ability to collaborate in a potential new administration.
As Andy Burnham prepares to assume leadership, the debate over Ed Miliband’s suitability as chancellor highlights broader tensions within Labour regarding economic strategy, environmental policy, and party unity.