Andy Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM

The BBC understands that if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, he is expected to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor and offer her a lower-level cabinet position.

Burnham’s spokesman said no decision had been made.

It comes as the former Greater Manchester mayor begins assembling his Downing Street team, assuming he will win the Labor leadership race in which he is currently the sole candidate.

Sir Keir Starmer announced he was stepping down as prime minister just days after Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, allowing him to return to Parliament.

The biggest decision Burnham will make, as she begins to draft a possible cabinet, will be who will be chancellor.

Most Labor MPs assume Reeves will not continue in the role, but as first reported Financial Times, externalHe is expected to be offered a younger cabinet position.

A close ally of Burnham told the BBC: “Andy really respects Rachel and I’m sure he would want her in his top team.”

James Purnell, who served as a minister in Gordon Brown’s government between 2007 and 2009, was to be appointed as Burnham’s Downing Street chief of staff.

But if Makerfield’s new MP becomes prime minister, how much to spend on defense will become a pressing issue.

Burnham and his team were sparring with former defense secretary John Healey, who resigned earlier this month, warning that the current planned increase in military funding was “well below what is required”.