Ex-Treasury Adviser Calls for Ed Miliband to Be Named Chancellor in Andy Burnham Government Proposal

A former chief economic adviser to the UK Treasury has urged Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to consider appointing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as Chancellor, arguing that he possesses the vision and experience needed to drive economic renewal.

Nicholas Stern, a professor at the London School of Economics and a senior figure in the Treasury during Gordon Brown’s leadership, said Miliband stood out as a figure capable of rebuilding investment and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to deliver major economic change.

Stern described Miliband as having a “bold” and strategic approach to economic policy, particularly in relation to long-term investment and the transition to a low-carbon economy. He argued that the UK needed leadership focused on structural reform and coordinated state action to address sluggish growth and productivity challenges.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate about future leadership and economic direction within the broader Labour movement, with figures across the party and its wider network discussing potential policy teams and governance models. Burnham, who has positioned himself as a prominent voice on regional inequality and public service reform, has not responded directly to the suggestion.

Miliband, who currently serves as Energy Secretary, has played a central role in shaping the government’s approach to energy security and climate policy. Supporters argue that his experience in both domestic and international policy makes him a strong candidate for a senior economic role, while critics have previously questioned aspects of his political leadership record.

Stern’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices calling for a more interventionist economic strategy, with emphasis on infrastructure investment, green energy expansion, and rebuilding public sector capacity. Advocates of this approach say it is necessary to address long-standing structural weaknesses in the UK economy.

However, any move to appoint a Chancellor would depend on electoral outcomes and formal government formation processes, with no indication that such a reshuffle is currently being planned.

The discussion reflects broader uncertainty and debate within UK politics about how best to stimulate growth, manage fiscal pressures, and respond to long-term economic challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.