Progressive economists reject Unite leader’s criticism of Ed Miliband

The Guardian World Wednesday 24 June 2026, 05:00 UTC By Heather Stewart Economics editor 1 min read

Key Points

Sharon Graham is urged to withdraw her claim that the energy secretary would cost jobs if he became chancellorMore than 40 progressive economists have written to Sharon Graham, the leader of Unite, rejecting her claim that Ed Miliband would destroy jobs if he becomes the next chancellor. With Andy Burnham almost certain to be prime minister within weeks, there is a fierce debate within Labour about who should succeed Rachel Reeves at the Treasury, with Miliband considered a frontrunner.

Sharon Graham is urged to withdraw her claim that the energy secretary would cost jobs if he became chancellor

More than 40 progressive economists have written to Sharon Graham, the leader of Unite, rejecting her claim that Ed Miliband would destroy jobs if he becomes the next chancellor.

With Andy Burnham almost certain to be prime minister within weeks, there is a fierce debate within Labour about who should succeed Rachel Reeves at the Treasury, with Miliband considered a frontrunner.

Unite (ORG) Ed (PERSON) Sharon Graham (PERSON) Ed Miliband (PERSON) Andy Burnham (PERSON) Labour (ORG) Rachel Reeves (PERSON) Treasury (ORG) Miliband (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

David Lammy asks Amber Rudd to carry out review of prisons Exclusive: It is the second time that the deputy prime minister has turned to a former Tory cabinet minister to create a cross party consensus on complicated reform - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Deputy prime minister David Lammy is to unveil respected former Tory cabinet minister Amber Rudd to review the prison system. With Labour still trying to tackle an overcrowding crisis in prisons in England and Wales despite a...

The Independent UK 29m ago

What does Burnham’s appointment of ex-Blair minister mean?

Listen on Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music Sky News Andy Burnham appears to have taken another major step towards power, bringing in a big name from the Tony Blair era – James Purnell – as his chief of staff. What does it say about the Burnham operation and the government he is trying to build? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack a decades-long relationship, and discuss why it’s being welcomed by Labour MPs, business and the City.

Politico EU 32m ago

Qld water minister calls on major water retailer to abandon price hikes

Water bills for households in several south east Queensland councils are expected to rise by 3.7 per cent next year after major water provider Urban Utilities announced a price hike. Bulk water charges were frozen for the next financial year in this week's budget but the change to Urban Utilities' charge is expected to jump by 5.5 per cent. Water Minister Ann Leahy has called on Urban Utilities to abandon the price hike and said the government will examine "legislative options" to force them...

ABC Australia 39m ago

'Looting in name of Ram': Baghel attacks govt over schools, farmers and Ram temple donations

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has launched a blistering attack on the Centre over the alleged Ram Mandir donation controversy, drawing a parallel between the government and Mahmud of Ghazni and accusing the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal of "looting in the name of Ram". Speaking to reporters, the senior Congress leader said: "The situation is such that schools have been opened without uniforms, teachers, toilet facilities, or drinking water; they are playing with the children's...

Times of India 40m ago

Progressive economists reject Unite leader’s criticism of Ed Miliband

Related Stories

David Lammy asks Amber Rudd to carry out review of prisons

What does Burnham’s appointment of ex-Blair minister mean?

Qld water minister calls on major water retailer to abandon price hikes

'Looting in name of Ram': Baghel attacks govt over schools, farmers and Ram temple donations