Will Wes Streeting be in the Burnham cabinet? Odds jumped to 69% on Jul 16, 2026

And in case you missed this yesterday: • • - how Shabana Mahmood emerged as frontrunner to become Andy Burnham’s chancellor after fierce briefing war over the prospect of Ed Miliband in the powerful role. • • - how Louise Haigh had been having qualms about Miliband’s appointment. “The access talks have certainly focused minds on the economy and the challenges of the autumn," one ally said. • • - how figures with knowledge of Burnham's thinking say Miliband could end up at the foreign office - despite his brother David also being tipped for role - and Wes Streeting at the home office. • • - how prospect of not having Miliband at Treasury has spooked Labour MPs because it suggests Burnham can be pushed to change his mind on key decisions. “It feels like Ed is the thing to spend your political capital on. Otherwise what’s the point?” • • - how Team Burnham is scornful of briefing as only Haigh and chief of staff James Purnell are properly in the loop. “We’re in a world where people are being briefed into or out of jobs, by people who say they know but probably don’t." • • - how MPs on Labour's soft left - Burnham's core support - have cast doubt on Mahmood's suitability for role. “You need someone with the requisite experience who doesn’t have their own power base. I am also not sure the markets will ultimately like her; she is a protectionist.” • • All of this and more from me, @jessicaelgot & @kiranstacey • •