Burnham's Ascent to Prime Minister Appears Imminent
In Westminster, discussions are increasingly centered not on the likelihood of Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister, but rather on the composition of his prospective government and his policy agenda. Labour MPs largely view Burnham's succession as a foregone conclusion following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement of his departure. Recent developments, including senior minister Darren Jones confirming he will not challenge, have further solidified this perception. While former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has not ruled out a bid, securing the necessary 81 Labour MP endorsements for a formal contest seems highly improbable.
The Race for Chancellor: Miliband vs. Streeting
With Burnham's premiership widely anticipated, focus is intensifying on who will fill his top team. A significant development is the expectation that Rachel Reeves, who has served as Chancellor for two years and shaped Labour's economic strategy, will not retain the position under Burnham. While a move to a more junior cabinet role is rare for a former Chancellor, it is considered likely in this instance.
The frontrunner for Chancellor is widely believed to be Ed Miliband, the current Energy Secretary. Miliband has been a consistent supporter of Burnham's ambitions, and his advocates argue he possesses the vision and experience – including previous Treasury advisory roles under Gordon Brown – necessary to implement Burnham's economic transformation plans. However, some Labour MPs, particularly on the party's right, express reservations. Their concerns stem partly from Miliband's past leadership and, more significantly, from fears that his appointment would signal a move too far to the left, potentially dividing the party from the outset.
Another name frequently mentioned for the Treasury is Wes Streeting. His allies are actively lobbying for him, highlighting his recent emphasis on "progressive capitalism" and his ability to reassure financial markets. They also point to his communication skills as an asset for conveying complex economic ideas. Nevertheless, risks are associated with Streeting's appointment, with some ministers questioning whether Burnham could fully trust someone with known prime ministerial ambitions, especially during challenging times.
Other potential candidates for significant economic roles include Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary and a former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and John Healey, the former Defence Secretary. Healey's appointment, however, would likely commit Burnham to a substantial increase in defence spending.
James Purnell to Lead Downing Street Operation
One key decision reportedly already made concerns the leadership of Burnham's Downing Street operation: James Purnell, a former Culture Secretary and Work and Pensions Secretary, is expected to serve as his chief of staff. This choice is notable given Purnell's historical alignment with the Blairite wing of the Labour Party and his past resignation from Gordon Brown's government.
However, the appointment appears to be rooted more in a long-standing personal and professional relationship than ideological alignment. Burnham and Purnell, born just three months apart, both served as special advisers in Sir Tony Blair's first government and were elected to Parliament in 2001, representing Greater Manchester constituencies. They shared an office as new MPs, became cabinet ministers concurrently in 2007, and even played together in a New Labour football team. Since leaving politics in 2010, Purnell has held various roles, including a seven-year tenure as a senior executive at the BBC.
As Burnham's path to power becomes increasingly certain and his preparations for government advance, further speculation about key appointments and the implications for his political direction is anticipated.
Source: Burnham on course to be PM, but what would his No 10 operation look like?