How Shabana Mahmood’s ‘post-globalization’ economic views could straddle Labour’s right and left
Shabana Mahmood is emerging as a top candidate for Chancellor of the Exchequer under incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Her potential appointment highlights a shift in Labour's economic strategy and internal power dynamics.
Why it matters
The selection of a key finance minister is critical for the future economic direction of the UK government.
The woman widely tipped to become Andy Burnham’s chief finance minister held a hard line on immigration as home secretary, but her economic approach is still a mystery.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Shabana Mahmood represents the economically and culturally diverse part of Birmingham where she was brought up. | Dan Kitwood/Getty Images July 16, 2026 5:41 pm CET By Dan Bloom LONDON — The swirling speculation about Keir Starmer’s future landed on Shabana Mahmood, his home secretary, at a Westminster Christmas drinks party last December. “She won’t be leader,” whispered one admirer. “But she will be chancellor.”
Eight months after that risky prediction, Mahmood appears to be a frontrunner to run Britain’s finance ministry under Andy Burnham when he takes Starmer’s job on Monday.
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