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Shortly after Andy Burnham initiated calls to dismiss several of Keir Starmer’s cabinet allies on Monday afternoon, John Healey received notification to proceed to Number 10 Downing Street. Clad in a suit and one of his signature red ties, the former defence secretary exited Parliament alone through a discreet back entrance adjacent to a pub. As he made his way down Whitehall, Healey smiled slightly and remarked, “I’m on my way to a meeting.”
Healey’s unexpected promotion to chancellor took many by surprise—not only himself but also his Labour colleagues and the British public. This significant development came amid a series of rapid announcements from the newly instated prime minister, including a VAT reduction on energy bills, signaling the government’s intent to move swiftly in its early days. While the Conservatives voiced support for the tax cut, they raised concerns about how it would be financed.
Just five weeks prior, Healey had resigned as defence secretary in protest over military spending, thus undermining Keir Starmer’s authority in Downing Street. Yet, Healey was now poised to return to the cabinet alongside Wes Streeting and Miatta Fahnbulleh, who had also recently resigned and challenged Starmer’s leadership. Were these appointments rewards for their rebellion that expedited Burnham’s ascent? Possibly. However, all three are reputed to be capable and adept at managing demanding positions within government.
Healey’s rise to the position of chancellor has been welcomed by senior figures in the Ministry of Defence who favor a Treasury partner committed to boosting military expenditure. As one insider commented, “It’s brilliant for us.” However, the same source expressed relief that Healey is not returning to the defence role, describing him as “a difficult person.” Even among senior Conservatives, Healey’s appointment is viewed as a shrewd move. According to a former Tory cabinet minister, “He’s not Ed Miliband, he’s hard to attack, and he’s Treasury-literate.” Healey’s experience includes five years as a minister in the Treasury during Tony Blair’s administration.
Meanwhile, Anneliese Midgeley, an ally of Burnham, faces the challenging task of maintaining Labour MPs’ loyalty, including those recently sacked from ministerial positions. Not everyone is cooperating, as demonstrated by Darren Jones’s public criticism of Burnham’s energy bills policy. One Labour MP identified three categories among those removed by Burnham: “Some went because of their politics, others just weren’t good, and then there are those disliked in the parliamentary Labour party.”
Speculation is rife within Westminster circles about the possibility of Burnham capitalizing on a potential surge in opinion polls by calling a snap general election. Nigel Farage has openly advocated for such a move, arguing that Burnham lacks a mandate. However, the Reform party leader is currently under pressure, facing both a by-election and scrutiny over his finances. Some within his party worry that Burnham rushing to an election might squander Farage’s prime opportunity to become prime minister. A Reform source’s ambiguous comment encapsulates this dynamic: “We are really worried about a snap election. Which is why we’re calling for a snap election.”
Preparations for an early election are underway across parties in Westminster. A senior Liberal Democrat aide confirmed, “We’ve started preparing.” Although Burnham has seemingly dismissed the possibility of an immediate poll, calling one would upset Labour MPs anxious about losing their parliamentary seats. On the other hand, it would provide the new prime minister with a chance to secure a fresh mandate for more radical policies and solidify his authority for a full five-year term.
Looking ahead, a former Conservative cabinet minister warns of economic challenges on the horizon, stating, “There is economic pain coming down the horizon. And it’s about how far he [Burnham] gets ahead of it. He faces a choice between going for an election, and a slow decline as we saw with Gordon Brown.” Brown, who was nicknamed “bottler Brown” in 2007 for hesitating to call an election, ultimately made it to Number 10 through a blend of patience and strategic acumen. In contrast, Burnham’s rapid rise stemmed from a bold electoral gamble. Having already enjoyed success in Makerfield and the Labour leadership contest, Burnham now faces the question: will he take another risky chance?
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