Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has publicly declared her support for Andy Burnham to become the UK's next prime minister, amid persistent speculation that she could be replaced as Chancellor if he assumes the role.
Speaking to the BBC, Ms Reeves, widely predicted to be replaced in a Burnham administration, declined to engage with reports that she might accept another position. "I'm not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make," she said. "I'm backing Andy. I think he'd be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make."
Burnham's Chancellor Decision Remains Unsettled
The Makerfield MP, who has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, is reportedly yet to finalise his choice for chancellor. Speculation has centred on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, but some within Labour have cautioned against his appointment.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones appeared to suggest that Mr Miliband would not meet his "tests" for a new chancellor. Mr Jones stated that any new chancellor should not seek to "control" the prime minister and must "reassure" markets, trade unions, MPs, and the public. He declined to say whether Mr Miliband passes those tests.
Reeves Defends Her Record Under Starmer
Ms Reeves emphasised her loyalty to Sir Keir, saying, "No one could doubt my commitment to him in recent years. I've been by his side for six years now as shadow chancellor and then as Chancellor of the Exchequer." She added, "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."
Her comments preceded a planned address at the British Chamber of Commerce's global annual conference on Thursday.
Leadership Contest Landscape
Few potential challengers to Mr Burnham have emerged as the contest accelerates. Mr Jones, previously rumoured as a potential challenger backed by Sir Keir's supporters among Labour MPs, ruled himself out on Wednesday and threw his support behind Burnham.
Former armed forces minister Al Carns, who resigned earlier this month over defence spending, remains a possible contender, calling for a "proper debate" on the country's future. While Mr Carns has not formally announced a leadership bid, he has refused to rule himself out in recent interviews.
International Attention on Burnham
Mr Burnham's potential premiership has attracted attention abroad. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump described the Makerfield MP as "extremely liberal." Trump told reporters that Mr Burnham "probably won't open up the North Sea" for oil exploration and that "the UK is dying," signalling a potentially rocky relationship.
The Makerfield MP has been critical of Trump in the past, describing US politics as "polarised" and "poisonous" while on the campaign trail in June. During the 2021 US Capitol riot, Mr Burnham posted on X: "Any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now."
