The boss of Britain’s biggest trade union has thrown her weight behind Ed Miliband to become chancellor under a potential Andy Burnham government, as the former Greater Manchester mayor prepares for his first major policy speech since becoming an MP. Andrea Egan, the general secretary of Unison, endorsed the energy secretary as the race to replace Rachel Reeves intensifies, warning that Burnham’s historic opportunity would be “squandered” if his administration continued “the same failed approach”.
Egan said: “We need a chancellor who will rewire the economy and properly invest to improve the lives of the majority. Of those reported to be in the running, only Ed Miliband could enact the kinds of policies trade unions and our members urgently need.” The endorsement places Miliband as one of two frontrunners, alongside Wes Streeting, but he faces opposition from two other large unions – GMB and Unite, whose leader Sharon Graham has described Miliband as a “noose around the neck” of job creation.
“Unison boss Andrea Egan endorses Ed Miliband for chancellor under Andy Burnham, who faces net zero pressure.”
The battle over the Treasury comes as Burnham, who was elected an MP a week ago after Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, prepares to give a speech on devolution and the economy in Manchester. He has already chosen James Purnell as his chief of staff, angering some on the left of the party. But the chancellor choice is seen as the most important decision he will make, with investors, MPs, unions and business groups demanding clarity.
At the same time, Burnham faces pressure over net zero targets. The green economy is worth £100bn a year to the UK, has outpaced other sectors and supports higher-paying jobs, according to data. Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, warned: “Net zero is one of the few glues that unites Labour’s coalition. There is limited electoral benefit to ditching it and much potential harm.” Polls show more than 60% of people support net zero, with about a third of Reform voters backing the target despite opposition from Nigel Farage and Richard Tice. Joe Dromey, general secretary of the Fabian Society, said: “Quite a few people have been learning the wrong lessons from the very painful defeats in the local elections.”
Burnham is expected to enter No 10 as soon as next month after Streeting’s endorsement made it overwhelmingly likely. Labour’s national executive committee confirmed on Thursday that a new leader will be named on 17 July if only one candidate stands; if another MP secures 81 nominations, a leadership election will conclude on 29 August. The question now is whether Miliband – the man who oversaw the booming green economy – or a rival will be Burnham’s pick for the Treasury.