Chancellor Rachel Reeves has described claims that Andy Burnham has been preparing for a Downing Street bid for at least a year as 'perfectly reasonable'. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves acknowledged Burnham's ambition but warned he must remain 'laser focused' on his objectives once in power.
Reeves Defends Burnham's Ambition
Reeves was responding to remarks from former Cabinet colleague Louise Haigh, who told a BBC podcast that Burnham had been planning a prime ministerial bid for 'at least a year'. The comments have caused internal Labour Party tensions, with one party figure suggesting to The Times it could weaken Burnham’s support before he even becomes prime minister.
'I think it is perfectly reasonable for people to have ambition, and Andy has never shied away from the fact that he wanted at some point to lead the Labour Party,' Reeves said. 'I want him to be ready for that because I want him to be a success, and I am sure he will be.'
Call for a Worked-Through Plan
Reeves stressed the importance of Burnham entering Downing Street with a clear strategy. 'It is important that when Andy walks through that door, that he has a worked through plan, because governing is hard in Britain, and lots of challenges and shocks will come his way,' she said. 'What is really important is that him and his team are really clear about what they want to achieve. As those shocks come along, he needs to stay laser focused on those things that have always motivated him.'
Support for Devolution
The Chancellor also backed Burnham’s devolution agenda, saying: 'I think having more decision makers, both officials and ministers, based in the north of England and in different parts of the country, would be a good thing for policy making.'
Economic Legacy and Criticism
Pressed on decisions such as scrapping the universal winter fuel payment and raising national insurance contributions, Reeves signalled there were 'choices that I made that would be different'. She insisted Burnham will inherit a 'much stronger economy' due to her and Sir Keir Starmer’s actions. 'I’m impatient for change, and I totally get that people want to see their lives changed faster, and that will be the job for Andy Burnham when he becomes a prime minister of our country in just over a week’s time,' she said.
Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride criticised Reeves’ record, stating: 'She was somebody who spoke about growth, growth, growth, but we’ve seen very anaemic growth since she’s been in.' He accused her of making 'wrong choices' on taxing business and borrowing, which he said destroyed growth and increased unemployment to its highest level in five years.
Burnham’s Path to Number 10
Burnham is all but guaranteed to become prime minister after securing support from 322 Labour MPs out of 403, with no other candidate able to reach the required 20% threshold. The Labour leadership process concludes on Friday, July 17, and Burnham could enter Downing Street as soon as Monday, July 20. According to the Guardian, he plans to spend the summer touring the UK to win over voters in areas where Labour has lost support.
