Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM
BBC News 2026-06-24 03:35:28
Context: Andy Burnham is expected to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor if he becomes Prime Minister, offering her a more junior cabinet position, as he begins to assemble a Downing Street team. Burnham, the current favourite to win the Labour leadership race, has been discussing his approach to economic policy with Labour MPs, including Darren Jones and Al Carns, who are considering running against him. If Burnham becomes Prime Minister, one of his immediate challenges will be deciding how much to spend on defence.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham is expected to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor if he becomes Prime Minister, with Reeves being offered a more junior cabinet position, according to the BBC.
- James Purnell, who served as a minister in Gordon Brown's government between 2007 and 2009, is set to be appointed Burnham's Downing Street chief of staff.
- Burnham and his team have been discussing defence spending with John Healey, the former defence secretary, who warned that the current planned increase in military funding falls "well short of what is required".
- Sir Keir Starmer met Burnham for an hour on Tuesday to ensure an "orderly" transition of power, following Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election, which allowed him to return to Parliament.
- If Burnham becomes Prime Minister, he could take office as early as 17 July, assuming he does not face a challenger in the Labour leadership race, with candidates needing to be nominated by 81 Labour MPs and either 32 local branches or three affiliated organisations to get on the ballot paper.