Rachel Reeves Speaks at BCC Conference
Rachel Reeves is currently speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference, where she is being interviewed by Sophy Ridge, the presenter.
During the interview, Reeves stated that it was clear Andy Burnham would maintain her fiscal rules, which she described as "a good thing".
When asked if she wished to remain Burnham’s chancellor, Reeves responded that the decision was his to make.
Ridge then reframed the question, asking Reeves if she felt she had "unfinished business".
In reply, Reeves provided a detailed account of her accomplishments as chancellor but highlighted fiscal devolution and reform of business rates as areas where she aimed to make further progress.
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Reeves Appears Resigned to Losing Chancellor Position Under Burnham
Good morning. Rachel Reeves now appears resigned to losing her position as chancellor when Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, likely in about three weeks. Although she had reportedly sought to remain in the role, her tone suggests a valedictory acceptance.
Reeves has expressed her support for Burnham as the next prime minister. When questioned about why she did not attend Keir Starmer’s resignation speech at Downing Street on Monday but did appear in Westminster Hall for a photocall with Burnham and other MPs, she did not provide an explanation but emphasized that her loyalty to Starmer had never been in doubt. She also expressed pride in her record.
"I know that whoever is prime minister and chancellor in the future will inherit a stronger economy than the one I inherited two years ago."
Reeves declined to say whether she would accept a more junior cabinet role if offered one by Burnham. When asked, she stated:
"Those are the choices that the new prime minister, I hope Andy Burnham, will get to make in a few weeks time. I’m not going to pre-empt those. It is his prerogative as prime minister to make those appointments."
Further remarks from Reeves are expected later today as she continues speaking at the BCC conference alongside other senior figures.
British Chambers of Commerce Conference Agenda
Today’s agenda includes:
- 9am: Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, participates in a Q&A session at the BCC conference in London.
- 10am: Andy Haldane, president of the BCC, speaks.
- 11am: Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, presents.
- 12:10pm: Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, addresses attendees.
- 3:40pm: Robert Jenrick, Reform UK Treasury spokesperson, speaks.
- 4:30pm: Zack Polanski, Green party leader, delivers remarks.
Other notable events today include:
- Morning: Kemi Badenoch is on a visit in London.
- 9:30am: The Ministry of Justice publishes criminal court figures.
- Morning: Keir Starmer visits Buckinghamshire to mark the start of the government’s initiative.
- 2:30pm: John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, answers questions from MSPs.
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