Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has hinted at a potential shift in her cabinet role should Andy Burnham become the next Prime Minister. Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference, Ms Reeves refrained from stating a clear desire to remain Chancellor, instead deferring the decision to Mr Burnham's prerogative.
During an interview with Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge, Ms Reeves affirmed that Mr Burnham would uphold her established fiscal rules, which she described as 'a good thing'. When pressed on whether she felt she had 'unfinished business' as Chancellor, Ms Reeves provided a detailed account of her achievements in the role. However, she specifically identified fiscal devolution and reform of business rates as policy areas where she would like to see further progress, potentially suggesting a continued interest in economic policy, even if not from the Treasury's top post.
The current Chancellor also declined to say whether she would accept a more junior position in a potential Burnham cabinet, stating that such appointments were 'choices that the new prime minister, I hope Andy Burnham, will get to make in a few weeks time'. This stance has been interpreted by some observers as an acknowledgement that Mr Burnham may choose a different individual for the Chancellorship, a role Ms Reeves has reportedly been keen to retain.
Adding an unexpected international dimension to the ongoing leadership speculation, former US President Donald Trump commented on Andy Burnham, describing him as 'extremely liberal'. In his first public remarks about the former Greater Manchester mayor since he emerged as a leading contender for the Labour leadership, Mr Trump's use of 'liberal' is typically a pejorative term in US right-wing political discourse, implying a left-wing ideology. He also expressed concerns that Mr Burnham was unlikely to 'open up North Sea' oil and gas exploration, touching on a key policy debate within the UK.
Ms Reeves also addressed questions about her perceived absence from Keir Starmer's resignation speech earlier in the week, stating her loyalty to the outgoing leader had 'never been in doubt'. Her presence at a subsequent photocall with Mr Burnham and other Labour MPs in Westminster Hall, however, further fuelled speculation about her alignment with the frontrunner. The BCC conference agenda for the day includes appearances from other senior political figures, including Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, indicating the continued scrutiny on economic policy as the political landscape shifts.