Andy Burnham is reportedly being lined up to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer, should he become Prime Minister. Sources close to Burnham indicate that Reeves would be offered a more junior position within his potential cabinet.
Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, is currently the only declared candidate for the Labour leadership. He has held discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in preparation for a potential move to Downing Street. Senior Cabinet minister Darren Jones announced on Wednesday that he would not seek the leadership, potentially clearing a path for Burnham to assume the role by July 17 if no other candidates emerge.
A close ally of Burnham conveyed to the BBC that Burnham holds Rachel Reeves in high regard and is expected to want her as part of his "top team." The Financial Times has reported that Reeves is anticipated to be offered a less senior cabinet role.
The Treasury has been contacted for comment. While the specific individual to succeed Reeves as Chancellor remains unclear, names such as Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, John Healey, and Yvette Cooper have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Furthermore, James Purnell, who previously served as a minister under Gordon Brown between 2007 and 2009, is expected to take on the role of Downing Street Chief of Staff for Burnham.