Burnham to Pick Mahmood as Finance Chief
Britain’s incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to appoint current Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood as finance minister when he formally takes office next week, according to a report by the Financial Times, which cited three people familiar with the matter.
The report fueled market optimism, helping sterling climb to a one-year high against the euro. Investors had speculated that Mahmood, viewed as more centrist within the Labour Party, would be selected over Energy Minister Ed Miliband to replace Rachel Reeves after Keir Starmer is due to step down on Monday.
Neither Mahmood nor Burnham’s team confirmed the report. A spokesperson for Mahmood declined to comment, while Burnham’s office said it would not discuss potential cabinet appointments before the official announcement expected on Monday.
Although Mahmood has limited experience in economic policymaking, she has gained attention for her firm stance on immigration. She is generally regarded as being on the more moderate-right wing of the governing Labour Party compared with Miliband, whose strong support for net-zero climate policies has faced criticism from parts of the business community.
The composition of Burnham’s first cabinet is expected to be announced early next week following his formal appointment as prime minister.
