Shabana Mahmood is expected to be appointed Chancellor in Andy Burnham’s incoming government, according to a report by the Financial Times citing senior Labour sources.
The report states that Mahmood has emerged as the leading choice to take charge of the Treasury as Burnham prepares to assume office.
A senior ally told the newspaper that Mahmood’s appointment is effectively settled, saying she is “nailed down to be Chancellor.”
Another source familiar with the discussions also indicated that the reports are accurate, adding that they would not discourage that interpretation.
The reported appointment would place Mahmood in one of the most influential positions in government, with responsibility for overseeing the UK’s economic strategy, taxation, public spending and fiscal policy.
The Financial Times also reports that Ed Miliband is expected to become the next Foreign Secretary in Burnham’s reshaped Cabinet.
Neither appointment has been officially confirmed by Downing Street or the Labour Party, and formal announcements are expected once Burnham assumes office.
Burnham is due to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister after securing the Labour leadership, with the new administration expected to unveil its Cabinet shortly after taking office.
