Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood is widely expected to be appointed chancellor as Andy Burnham enters Downing Street, following Sir Keir Starmer's exit. The Green Party has already prepared a strategy to attack her, viewing her as a gift to bolster their support. Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has been transferred to Chelsea in a record-breaking £117 million deal, angering Villa fans.
Shabana Mahmood Poised for Chancellor Role
All eyes are on Downing Street today as Andy Burnham arrives at Number 10. One of his first tasks will be to announce his new cabinet, with much speculation over who will replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor. Ladywood MP and current home secretary Shabana Mahmood is widely tipped to enter Number 11, having overtaken former frontrunner Ed Miliband. Despite Burnham's promise to alleviate factionalism, the right wing of Labour has reportedly pushed for Mahmood's appointment, arguing that soft-left Miliband would scare markets. Conversely, Mahmood's detractors have briefed against her, with The Independent reporting criticism of her support for tax and welfare cuts. They claim she privately called Reeves's tax hikes 'ridiculous', 'anti-aspiration', and 'anti-competitive'. Unlike Burnham, Mahmood does not bring her home patch into her politics much, so Birmingham is unlikely to see a Number 11 Brum anytime soon.
Green Party Plans Attack on Mahmood
Over the weekend, the New Statesman reported on a leaked Green Party memo showing they plan to attack Mahmood's economic plans, tough anti-immigration measures, and admiration for Margaret Thatcher. 'Mahmood as chancellor would be an absolute gift to us,' a gleeful Green source told the paper, adding that 'Burnham promised a new direction, but it looks like he's already capitulating to the same establishment forces that have hollowed out the Labour Party for years.' The Greens fear that Burnham's era could end their ability to attract left-wing Labour members, so they intend to paint Mahmood as an establishment stooge.
Morgan Rogers Transfers to Chelsea for Record £117 Million
Aston Villa fans are fuming following the news that star player Morgan Rogers has been transferred to Chelsea for a record £117 million. The 23-year-old from Halesowen, who had an excellent World Cup run with England, will sign a six-year contract with the London team. The transfer follows earlier rumours that Rogers might go to Arsenal, which provoked angry emails from Villa supporters. The BBC confirmed the deal.
Other News in Brief
Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after reports of large-scale disorder in Halesowen town centre on Saturday. New Jewellery Quarter Sicilian restaurant Vieni has received a rave review from Guardian food critic Grace Dent, who describes the menu as 'hearty, not trendy'. A new charity, the Midlands Chinese Federation (MCF), supporting the Chinese community and culture across the Midlands, has opened in Birmingham's Chinatown.
Upcoming Events
On Wednesday, the city will celebrate the first ever Ozzy Day on the one-year anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne's death, with free live music and tributes in the city centre. Multi-Grammy-nominated composer Miho Hazama will perform at the CBSO centre as part of Birmingham's Jazz & Blues Festival on Thursday. A new rendition of Sweeney Todd is showing at the Rep until 15 August.
