Miatta Fahnbulleh is minded to reject the giant Rosebank oilfield, sources have told the Guardian, in what would be a blow for the North Sea energy industry and a major victory for climate campaigners.

After approving the smaller Jackdaw gasfield on Wednesday, officials say the energy secretary is leaning towards refusing approval for what would be one of the biggest oilfields in the North Sea.

But she could still be overruled by Andy Burnham, who may hear different representations from the chancellor, John Healey. A final decision is expected before the end of this year.

In comments that will be read as a signal of her intent, Fahnbulleh told the Guardian that the rationale behind Jackdaw did not apply to Rosebank, saying the UK would rely on gas as it made the transition to net zero and that it would be better to take it from relatively low-carbon sources in the North Sea than importing it.

How bad is Jackdaw gasfield approval for the climate?…