Ed Miliband reportedly expressed frustration after being passed over for the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer in the new UK government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. According to Labour ally Ed Balls, the former Labour leader felt “furious and let down” by the decision and agreed to cede his previous role as Net Zero Secretary to Miatta Fahnbulleh as part of a compromise.

The appointment of former Defence Secretary John Healey as Chancellor on Monday surprised many in Westminster, as speculation had centred on either Miliband or Shabana Mahmood filling the role. The Labour Left had advocated strongly for Miliband’s promotion, but his potential appointment reportedly raised concerns among business groups and unions.

Instead of becoming Chancellor, Miliband was assigned the post of Foreign Secretary, while Mahmood retained her position as Home Secretary. Ed Balls, who served as shadow chancellor under Miliband and now co-hosts a political podcast with former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, said his understanding was that Burnham’s team had initially worked collaboratively with Miliband’s group on policy development. He added that this cooperation ceased abruptly late in Burnham’s leadership transition.

Balls also noted the reshuffle’s impact on his wife, Yvette Cooper, who was moved from Foreign Secretary to Secretary of State for Health. He humorously remarked that Cooper, scheduled to visit the Philippines, had instead travelled to Reading.

Concerns have emerged about Miliband’s new role amid diplomatic challenges. Earlier this week, US Ambassador Warren Stephens was questioned about Miliband’s past remarks describing former US President Donald Trump as “racist” and “idiotic,” raising apprehension over the potential diplomatic ramifications of the appointment.