Rachel Reeves Backs Andy Burnham for Prime Minister as Labour Leadership Race Takes Shape

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly backed Andy Burnham to become the next Prime Minister, marking a striking intervention in Labour’s emerging leadership transition following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

Speaking to the BBC, Reeves said: “I’m supporting Andy to be prime minister,” signaling her support for Burnham despite speculation that he could replace her in the Treasury with a more junior role if he wins the leadership.

Burnham, who was sworn in earlier this week as the MP for Makerfield, is widely expected within parts of the Labour Party to take over as both party leader and Prime Minister. Reports suggest he could appoint a new chancellor should he assume office, though no official cabinet plans have been confirmed.

Reeves acknowledged that her future role would ultimately depend on Burnham’s decisions, emphasizing that she would respect the authority of the incoming leader. She also said she remained prepared to deliver targeted, temporary support on energy bills in the autumn, amid ongoing concerns over household costs.

Responding to reports that Burnham could demote her within a reshuffled cabinet, Reeves reiterated her backing for him, stating: “I’m not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make. I’m backing Andy. I think he’d be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make.”

Burnham has emerged as a leading figure in Labour’s internal discussions following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation earlier this week, which came after a wave of senior cabinet departures. Party insiders say he is currently the only declared candidate for the leadership, raising the possibility of an uncontested path to the top job.

If no other candidates enter the race, Burnham could become Prime Minister as early as 17 July, marking a rapid and unexpected shift in the party’s leadership.

The unfolding situation has added further uncertainty to UK politics, with attention now focused on how a potential Burnham-led government would reshape Labour’s economic and domestic policy direction.