Reeves tells BBC: Burnham needs worked-through plan to govern from the start
BBC News 2026-07-11 12:00:16
Context: Rachel Reeves, the outgoing Chancellor of the Exchequer, has warned incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham that he needs a well-prepared plan to govern effectively when he takes office in over a week. Reeves, in an exclusive interview with the BBC, emphasized the importance of being clear about priorities and staying focused on key goals. She also reflected on her own time in office, highlighting achievements such as reducing government borrowing costs and increasing investment in infrastructure.
Key Facts
- Rachel Reeves told Laura Kuenssberg in an interview that Andy Burnham needs a "worked-through plan" to govern effectively, as "governing is hard in Britain, and lots of challenges and shocks will come his way".
- Reeves credited her decisions as the first female chancellor with creating a "rock of stability and trust", and noted that Burnham will take over an economy that is "much stronger than the one I inherited from the Conservatives just two years ago".
- Reeves acknowledged that there have been tough moments in office, including being seen in tears in the House of Commons during a session of Prime Minister's Questions in July last year, which she described as "probably my toughest moment".
- One former senior minister criticized Reeves for spending too much time painting a picture of her grim inheritance, and not enough time addressing the underlying issues, such as tight public finances and low economic growth.
- Reeves expressed her support for Burnham, saying "I want him to be a success and I am sure he will be", and emphasized the importance of him staying focused on the things that have driven him throughout his career.