Rachel Reeves backs Andy Burnham to be PM despite claims he'll replace her with 'Red' Ed Miliband

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister despite claims she will be demoted to a less senior Cabinet position.

She said she was "supporting Andy to be Prime Minister", adding she was aware it was up to him whether she stayed in one of the Great Offices of State.

When asked about Mr Burnham offering her a more junior role in his Government, Ms Reeves doubled down on her support for him.

She said: "I'm not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make. I'm backing Andy. I think he'd be a great Prime Minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make."

Rumours are circulating around Westminister over who will be in top jobs once the former Manchester Mayor succeeds to No10.

It was understood Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was being considered to replace Ms Reeves.

However, the idea has been met with backlash.

A source close to Mr Burnham has said Mr Miliband's appointment is now "50/50" and the incoming Prime Minister has cooled off over offering him the job, the Telegraph has revealed.

Writing for GB News, ex-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng warnedKwasi Kwarteng warned: "Red Ed is undoubtedly the most fearful of a frightening bunch."

Mr Kwarteng added that if Mr Miliband was offered the role, the UK can "expect a flurry of tax hikes" with income tax thresholds staying the same.

Mr Burnham, who comfortably won the Makerfield by-election last week, is the only contender for the role of Prime Minister.

It is understood if there are no other challengers, he will be in No10 by July 17.

Rachel Reeves claims economy in better state than when she inherited it

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said her time in the Treasury has improved the economy, leaving it in a better state than she found it.

She moved into No11 in July 2024 and implemented the controversial tax raid on pensioners, farmers and small businesses, with unemployment rates higher than when she took office.

However, she claimed she has restored economic stability, with the UK recording the fastest growth in the G7 of the first quarter of this year, the Telegraph reports.

She said: "I’ve been there every step of the way, making the decisions to turn round our economy.

"And I think the important point is whoever’s Prime Minister in a few weeks’ time will inherit a stronger economy and a fairer economy than the one I inherited when I became Chancellor two years ago.”

Donald Trump delivers blunt first verdict on Andy Burnham to GB News

Donald Trump issued a blunt verdict on Andy Burnham last night, his first public remarks on the new Makerfield MP.

Speaking to GB News at the White House, Mr Trump declared that he "doesn't know anything" about the potential next Prime Minister.

He admitted: "I don't know anything.

"I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town? I hear he's extremely liberal."

Read the full story here.

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