A cabinet split has emerged over whether to approve drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, with the chancellor, John Healey , in favour of the controversial North Sea project.

The energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is ultimately in charge of the decision, and the Guardian reported last week that she was leaning towards rejecting it after granting permission for the smaller Jackdaw gasfield.

It is understood, however, that Healey backs approving the licence, which is on hold over concerns about the project’s environmental impact.

The chancellor hinted at his support last week when he told ITV he expected oil and gas revenues to contribute to a new energy wealth fund, suggesting he was anticipating income from Rosebank.…