Reeves Supports Burnham, Keeps Her Own Job in Balance

Rachel Reeves says she backs Andy Burnham to become Britain’s next prime minister. She told the BBC that she is happy with his choice and will not fight for her own position. The decision comes after Keir Starmer announced he would step down as party leader. Starmer said he wanted a smooth hand‑over because his poll numbers were weak and local elections did not go well. A leadership contest will start on July 9, but Burnham is the only person who has declared his candidacy. Reeves has worked with Starmer for six years and says she will support him until the transition ends.She added that cabinet choices belong to the new prime minister, not her. If Burnham wins, he could become prime minister by mid‑July and would be the seventh leader in ten years. Reeves said she is ready to help with energy bill relief later this year if needed. She also wants the next leader to keep her fiscal rules: spend what is earned, cut debt, and balance budgets. Burnham has said he will keep the current borrowing limits in place. Reeves believes the future prime minister and chancellor will inherit a stronger economy than she did when she first became chancellor.