TRANSPORT union TSSA joined Unison and the NEU today in supporting Ed Miliband as Britain’s next chancellor, splitting from Unite and GMB.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust highlighted Mr Miliband’s net-zero credentials, saying the next chancellor “must be serious about growing the economy by investing properly in the infrastructure Britain needs to unlock sustainable growth.”

She added the current Energy Secretary “is prepared to invest for the long term and deliver an economy that works for everyone.

“The labour movement needs an experienced hand as chancellor who is responsive to the needs of working people and who represents a clear break from the status quo…

“We believe Ed Miliband has demonstrated that he understands the need for a different approach. We think Ed Miliband should be the next occupant of Number 11.”

Unison general secretary Andrea Egan said on Thursday that Andy Burnham, who is expected to be Britain’s next PM as soon as July 17, “has a historic opportunity to rebuild Britain in the interests of the majority.”

Ms Egan added: “But with a Chancellor committed to the same approach that’s already failed, that chance will be squandered. Ed Miliband is most likely to enact the kinds of policies we so badly need.”

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede also put his support behind Mr Miliband for the Treasury, saying he “seems to be the only contender who actually gets the climate change crisis.”

The former Labour leader, who also served as one-time Treasury adviser, is considered to be a frontrunner for the role, alongside current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and former health secretary Wes Streeting.

Unite and GMB have come out against Mr Miliband’s candidacy, saying his approach to the North Sea oil and has sector is destroying jobs.