Rachel Reeves has expressed her support for Andy Burnham’s potential bid to succeed Keir Starmer as the Prime Minister, despite facing a potential removal from her position as Chancellor.
Reeves endorsed the former Mayor of Manchester, stating that he would excel as a Prime Minister, joining other senior members of the Labour Party in backing Burnham’s aspirations for the top role.
Amidst Burnham being the favored choice among Labour MPs to replace Starmer, discussions are underway regarding his prospective team.
Although Reeves is anticipated to be relieved of her Chancellor duties, she refrained from commenting on the possibility of accepting a lesser role in a Burnham-led Cabinet, emphasizing her endorsement for Burnham by stating, “I’m backing Andy.”
Reeves emphasized that the decision of who becomes Prime Minister rests with Burnham, stating, “I think he’d be a great Prime Minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make.”
Furthermore, Reeves highlighted the improved economic conditions during her tenure as Chancellor, emphasizing that her successor should continue the current economic strategies, which are showing positive results.
She also advised the incoming Chancellor to work closely with the Treasury officials and adhere to the existing economic plans for sustained growth and stability.
As Burnham prepares for a significant speech on the economy, Reeves mentioned his commitment to her fiscal rules and expressed hope that future Chancellors would maintain the current economic trajectory for continued growth and stability.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party is set to finalize the timetable for electing a new leader and Prime Minister.