Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly backed Andy Burnham to become the next Prime Minister, despite widespread speculation that he could sack her from her role. Speaking to the BBC, Reeves refused to be drawn on reports that she might accept a more junior position in a Burnham Cabinet, stating: “I’m not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new Prime Minister will make. I’m backing Andy. I think he’d be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make.”
Reeves Defends Her Record
Reeves emphasised her loyalty to the Labour Party and her six-year tenure alongside Sir Keir Starmer. “No one could doubt my commitment,” she said. “I’ve been by his side for six years now as Shadow Chancellor and then as Chancellor of the Exchequer.” She added that whoever takes over as Prime Minister and Chancellor will inherit “a stronger economy than the one I inherited two years ago.”
Speculation Over Burnham's Cabinet
The comments come amid intense speculation about who might serve in a Burnham Cabinet. Names tipped for Chancellor include former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Burnham, the new Makerfield MP, is widely expected to enter 10 Downing Street within weeks, with few challengers emerging in the Labour leadership contest.
Potential Leadership Challenger
Former armed forces minister Al Carns, who resigned earlier this month over defence spending, remains a possible contender. He has called for a “proper debate” on the country’s future, but Burnham remains the frontrunner.
