Chancellor Rachel Reeves issued a stark warning to Andy Burnham on BBC Breakfast, telling the Makerfield MP he must control public finances if he becomes Prime Minister following Keir Starmer's resignation. Reeves expressed support for Burnham, stating she believed he would "be a great Prime Minister," but added a cautionary note: "The last government lost control of the public finances, it sent inflation through the roof and interest rates through the roof. And so control of the public finances has a real impact on families today."
Reeves Acknowledges Potential Loss of Role
Reeves is widely expected to lose her position as Chancellor if Burnham takes the top job. Reflecting on her tenure, she said: "I'm sure I could have done some things better, but [I'm] really proud of my record, and I know that whoever is Prime Minister and Chancellor in the future will inherit a stronger economy than the one I inherited two years ago."
Impact on Families and Economy
The Chancellor emphasised that fiscal discipline directly affects households, noting that the previous government's loss of control led to soaring inflation and interest rates. Her comments come amid a turbulent period for the Labour Party following Starmer's resignation.
