A surgeon for Burnham’s Cabinet?

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With just weeks until he is set to waltz into No. 10, Andy Burnham has been quick out of the blocks, meeting contenders for his future Cabinet.

The frontrunners to replace Rachel Reeves are an already well-known trio: Ed Miliband (God forbid), Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood. Louise Haigh and Angela Rayner are set to make comebacks to the top table and, of course, James Purnell is expected to be named chief of staff.

Now Mr S can reveal that an unexpected name has been thrown into the mix. Dr Zubir Ahmed has been in talks with Burnham’s team about the possibility of taking up the role of Health Secretary.

Ahmed is a transplant surgeon who served as Health Innovation and Safety Minister, was involved securing the US pharma deal and also regularly deputised for Wes Streeting in the department and internationally, including with President Emmanuel Macron.