Shabana Mahmood expected to be named Andy Burnham’s chancellor

The home secretary is the frontrunner for the role ahead of ‘risky’ Ed Miliband, according to senior Labour figures

Shabana Mahmood has emerged as the frontrunner to become Andy Burnham’s chancellor after a fierce briefing war over the prospect of Ed Miliband being appointed to the powerful role.

Senior Labour figures with knowledge of Burnham’s thinking told the Guardian they expected the home secretary to be moved to the Treasury amid concerns that Miliband would become a target for criticism of the government.