EXCL: Mainstream, the Burnham-backing soft left organisation, has said they will unite behind the new cabinet.
Last week they urged Burnham to appoint a progressive chancellor, showing tactic support for Ed Miliband following reports Shabana Mahmood was locked in.
Now it turns out the centrist John Healey has the job.
But while Mainstream say they’ll unite behind Burnham because the ‘moment demands it’, they warn unity is not a ‘one way street’ and they will hold the new PM to his pledges.
Sources suggest he shouldn’t underestimate that, pointing to signs of Mainstream’s growing influence within the party (👇).
Mainstream candidates earlier this year topped the CLP nominations for NEC elections.
I’m told the grassroots membership has also been growing since the local elections and Burnham’s return to Westminster - indicating soft left becoming more muscular within the party.
Mainstream’s PLP network has also grown, from around 13 members at its launch to around 30- 40 now.