Reeves tells Burnham to expect ‘shocks and challenges’ from outset in No 10
Chancellor says PM-in-waiting needs ‘worked through plan’, in what could be one of her final interviews in No 11Rachel Reeves has urged Andy Burnham to arrive in Downing Street wit
By The Guardian
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to expect immediate “shocks and challenges” upon arriving in Downing Street and to bring a “worked through plan” to govern. Reeves delivered the warning in an interview with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, which could be one of her final major appearances as chancellor before handing over to the new prime minister .
She said Burnham must remain focused on the core priorities that originally brought him into politics, rather than getting distracted by the pressures of office . The former mayor of Greater Manchester officially became the MP for Makerfield last week after winning a by-election and has taken his oath of office .
Starmer announced he was stepping down, leaving Burnham on course to become the UK’s next prime minister . Reeves stated she would be handing over a stable economy to the incoming leader but warned that the new government would be tested quickly from the outset .
She urged Burnham to stay “laser focused” on what he wants to achieve in power . Burnham has outlined several policy priorities, including the largest council house building programme since the Second World War, a new drive for re-industrialisation in the north of England, and reinstating the northern leg of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester .
He has also proposed cutting business rates for pubs and music venues by 20 per cent, funded by increased taxes on out-of-town warehouses .