Ms Powell, a long-standing Burnham ally, will be handed the role after she helped guide the former Greater Manchester mayor to the brink of Downing Street .

At least two senior Labour MPs are considering launching leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham becoming prime minister without a formal contest.

Andy Burnham could keep some familiar faces around his cabinet table

Big hitters such as Miliband, Mahmood and Streeting are seen as in line for the top jobs; others face an abrupt end to their ministerial careers

Ms Powell, a long-standing Burnham ally, will be handed the role after she helped guide the former Greater Manchester mayor to the brink of Downing Street .