Unison endorses Ed Milband for chancellor under a Burnham government

Ed Miliband is thought of as more ideologically sympathetic to Burnham’s agenda. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Ed Miliband is thought of as more ideologically sympathetic to Burnham’s agenda. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images Unison endorses Ed Milband for chancellor under a Burnham government Exclusive: Trade union backs energy secretary to replace Rachel Reeves, but two other big unions are opposed UK politics live – latest updates Britain’s biggest trade union has endorsed Ed Miliband for chancellor, as the race to take over the Treasury under a potential Andy Burnham government intensifies. Unison has become the most high-profile organisation to back the current energy secretary, who is one of two frontrunners to replace Rachel Reeves in No 11, but who is being opposed by two other major unions – GMB and Unite. The tussle between supporters of Miliband and his most likely rival, Wes Streeting , comes as Burnham prepares to give his first major policy speech since becoming the MP for Makerfield. The former Greater Manchester mayor will give a speech in Manchester on devolution and the economy on Monday. But he is under increasing pressure to clarify who his chancellor will be, with investors, MPs, unions and business groups arguing it will constitute the most important decision he makes in office. Andrea Egan, Unison’s general secretary, said: “Andy Burnham has a historic opportunity to rebuild our country in the interests of workers and communities, but that chance will be squandered if his government is made up of politicians determined to continue the same failed approach. Reeves backs Burnham to be PM despite reports she may be offered lesser role Read more “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.” Burnham is in the process of putting together his team of close advisers and ministers, having been elected as an MP a week ago. Keir Starmer’s announcement on Monday that he intended to resign as prime minister, followed by Streeting’s endorsement of Burnham, has made it overwhelmingly likely he will enter No 10 as soon as next month. Labour’s ruling national executive committee confirmed on Thursday a new leader would be named on 17 July if there was only one candidate. If another MP secures enough support to make the ballot – 81 Labour MPs – the party will hold a leadership election and announce the results on 29 August. Burnham has chosen his former cabinet colleague and long-term friend James Purnell as his chief of staff, angering some on the left of the party who dislike Purnell’s Blairite roots. Now however the focus has shifted to who will be Burnham’s chancellor, tasked not only with deciding on possible tax rises in this autumn’s budget but also stimula