Financial Times, citing three people familiar with Andy Burnham’s thinking,
reports Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to be appointed UK chancellor
if Burnham becomes prime minister. Burnham’s spokesman declined to comment and
said cabinet roles will be finalised on Monday only after he assumes office. One
person familiar with the plan called the appointment a done deal; another said
current energy secretary Ed Miliband—previously the frontrunner for
chancellor—is now more likely to be foreign secretary. Colleagues said Mahmood
discussed policy with Burnham this month, including economic issues, but has not
been informed of any move and there is widespread speculation.
