Ed Miliband 'could face axe' in Starmer Cabinet reshuffle

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband could be the most high-profile victim of a Cabinet reshuffle by Sir Keir Starmer, reports say. The Daily Mail reports that senior Whitehall sources say the Energy and Net Zero Secretary could be axed in a spring resfuffle as the Prime Minister sidelines the Net Zero enivronmental agenda as part of the Government's 'dash for growth'.

Mr Miliband has been a long-term opponent of airport expansion and last month refused to say whether he personally backed a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander this week said she was "minded to approve" a second runway at Gatwick. It is suggested that Mr Miliband's voice has been increasingly marganlised at Cabinet as the Chancellor struggles to inject growth into the economy.

Rachel Reeves has argued that expansion of airports, including Heathrow which was approved last month, is essential for economic growth but Mr Miliband has stressed it can only happen if the UK's carbon emissions targets are met.

Mr Miliband also reportedly led a Cabinet revolt against Sir Keir's decision to slash the UK’s aid budget in order to boost defence spending.

A source told the Mail: "Ed has felt the earth move under his feet since the election.

"The Net Zero agenda has been subsumed by the need to boost the floundering economy and the new world order in Washington.

"It’s obvious he is not happy, and might jump if he is not pushed."

Mr Miliband last month doubled down on Labour’s manifesto commitment to permanently ban fracking just days after a giant gas field was discovered in the UK.

He said the Government would be sticking to its plans despite thediscovery of the gas field in Lincolnshire that could fuel the UK for a decade.

A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told the Daily Express: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.

“The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes."

Reports say Attorney General Lord Hermer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have also been tipped to be moved in the reshuffle.

The Daily Express has approached Number 10 for a comment.