Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, has announced he will not stand as a leadership candidate against Andy Burnham, after receiving reassurances on economic plans. In an interview with Sky's Beth Rigby, Jones confirmed he spoke with Burnham yesterday and was reassured about his approach to fiscal responsibility.
Burnham Appoints James Purnell as Chief of Staff
It has emerged that Andy Burnham will appoint James Purnell, a former cabinet minister under Gordon Brown, as his chief of staff. Purnell served alongside Burnham in the Brown administration and brings significant experience to the role. The move signals Burnham's intent to build a seasoned team as he prepares to take over as prime minister.
Darren Jones Rules Out Leadership Challenge
Jones had been refusing to rule out a leadership bid, with some Starmer loyalists urging him to run. However, after his conversation with Burnham, Jones decided against it. In the interview, Jones said: "I was reassured, yeah." He indicated that Burnham might borrow more for investment but within existing fiscal rules. "I think that's what the market and the trade unions and the parliamentary Labour party wants," Jones said.
Burnham to Replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor
The BBC reports that Burnham has decided not to keep Rachel Reeves as chancellor. This has not been officially confirmed, but the BBC briefed with confidence. Jones, who served as Reeves' deputy at the Treasury until last autumn, supported her drive to control borrowing. He now believes a Burnham government will maintain economic stability.
Key Exchange on Economic Policy
Rigby asked Jones if Burnham indicated he would borrow more for infrastructure. Jones replied: "We talked about the things I had read about in the media. For example, council house building... there is a route to doing that in a way which is in line with the fiscal rules and maintains economic stability." Jones added that Burnham was interested in his ideas on how the Treasury works well and sometimes doesn't.
Market Confidence in Burnham Government
When asked if bond markets would be content with a Burnham government, Jones said: "I think they can be content and I think this can be done in the right way. Andy's going to have to set out who his team is and what the policy platform is." Jones emphasized that fundamental principles around fiscal responsibility were discussed.
