Andy Burnham is about to give Ed Miliband a huge slap – finally something sensible

Andy Burnham is about to give Ed Miliband a huge slap – finally something sensible OPINION: Express political correspondent Aaron Newbury warns governing on pure vibes is plunging Andy Burnham's Budget week into chaos. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments OPINION By Aaron Newbury , Political Correspondent 10:11, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Updated: 10:20, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Miliband is having a rough week (Image: Getty) There's a new renewable power supply in London, if only we could slap a motor on the fast spinning weathervane of Downing Street. If someone could get Ed Miliband out of his gas guzzling jet long enough to ask if he approves, I reckon he would. Yet with the Budget just days away, the markets may be less pleased. All they want from regular bloke Andy Burnham is consistency. Spook those chaps in the City and we all pay in our mortgage. We all remember Liz Truss , the wilting vegetable "brought low by the banks"... and those damned consequences of her own choices. So you might expect Mr Burnham to spend this decisive week steadying the ship. But no, our man Andy has been doing those dead normal things proper blokes do. He's been on Celebrity Gogglebox with his old pal Steve Rotheram, welling up for Stand Up To Cancer. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A worthy cause, no doubt. If only he knew someone in power who could help charities, and provide such noble causes with the funding they desperately need? Back from the telly, he took to the timeless presuit of slapping his own Cabinet about. The weekend papers suggest he may press ahead with the Rosebank oilfield. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Now that's the wicked project his Foreign Secretary once branded “climate vandalism” when he was in his eco-phase as energy secretary. Ed Miliband no doubt had a face like a sla—looked a little shocked when he heard the news. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT To be fair, that's not far different from the normal expression of simplicitude plasted across his mug most days. I am normally all for ignoring everything Mr Miliband says unless it is “I resign”, but drilling for oil is a sound decision on any day of the week. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Labour is driving the UK to ruin - bombshell latest figures will shock you Nigel Farage erupts at Burnham Brexit betrayal as Angela Rayner hints at EU scheme Ed Miliband must look shocked (Image: Getty) But even the right call looks rickety when it is made on vibes. Yet under this government vibes are the house style. Planning to scrap standing charges on gas bills? Announced first, with the Chancellor and Energy Secretary sent off to find the sums afterwards. Brexit ? Respected or not, depending on which day you asked. Before you pity Mr Burnham juggling all these plates, remember he wanted this job and fought hard to get it. The plates are in the air and the bat of blame is being waxed. By Budget day we will know upon whose backside it lands first. Andy Burnham Ed Miliband Energy Labour Party Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments