Andy Burnham supporters divided over who should be his chancellor
Briefing war breaks out between advocates for Wes Streeting and those close to Ed Miliband
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham's supporters are divided over his potential chancellor, Wes Streeting versus Ed Miliband.
- Streeting's advocates believe he would reassure the business community and fossil fuel industry.
- Miliband's supporters see him as more likely to back radical policies and push back against Whitehall.
- The choice of chancellor is viewed as a crucial sign of how radical Burnham intends to be as prime minister.
- Burnham is conscious of needing to reassure investors and has spoken to Jim O’Neill about being chief economic adviser.
- Some allies argue Miliband's appointment could risk a bond market shock due to his left-leaning views.
- Streeting's allies state he shares Burnham's views on economic policies and agrees on issues like Thames Water nationalisation.