Reports suggest that Andy Burnham is on track to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor if he is elected Prime Minister. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester is currently the sole declared candidate in the Labour leadership race, following Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement to step down.
While a spokesperson for Burnham has indicated that no cabinet decisions have been finalised, it is widely believed among Labour MPs that Reeves will not retain her role as Chancellor in the event of Burnham's ascension to Downing Street. Instead, she is likely to be offered a junior cabinet role, as confirmed by a close ally of Burnham, who remarked to the BBC, “Andy holds Rachel in high regard, and I’m confident he’ll want her as part of his top team.”
Burnham is actively beginning to assemble his potential Downing Street team after his recent triumph in the Makerfield by-election, which has facilitated his return to Parliament. Among those expected to join him is James Purnell, who previously served as a minister under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2009, and is anticipated to take on the role of Chief of Staff.
One of Burnham’s initial significant challenges as Prime Minister would involve determining the government’s budget for defence. Discussions surrounding this issue have already commenced with John Healey, the former Defence Secretary who resigned earlier this month. Healey has cautioned that the government’s proposed increase in military expenditure is “well short of what is required.”
In a bid to ensure a seamless transition of power, Sir Keir Starmer met with Burnham for an hour on Tuesday, marking their first discussion since Burnham’s success in the Makerfield by-election. Should Burnham face no opposition in the Labour leadership race, he could potentially assume the role of Prime Minister as early as 17 July.
While Cabinet Minister Darren Jones and former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns were initially viewed as potential challengers for the leadership, Jones has since confirmed that he will not be standing. He expressed his confidence in Burnham's leadership, stating to Sky News, “Andy Burnham is going to be the next Prime Minister, and if there was a contest among Labour Party members, he would win.”
Jones further revealed that he had sought assurances from Burnham regarding his economic policies and felt satisfied following their conversation. Meanwhile, Carns remains undecided about entering the race, indicating he wishes to review more details about Burnham’s proposed policies before making a commitment. “We need to see that material before I can make a decision to back him,” Carns noted.
Labour’s regulations stipulate that leadership candidates must secure nominations from 81 Labour MPs, as well as garner support from either 32 of the party’s 634 local branches or three affiliated organisations, including two trade unions.
As the political landscape shifts within the Labour Party, all eyes are on Burnham as he prepares for what could be a historic leadership role, with implications that extend far beyond the confines of his party.
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