Rachel Reeves Sends Strong Warning to Would-Be Rebels Amid Andy Burnham's Coup Rumors
Published on November 20, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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RACHEL Reeves has urged leadership challengers to step back, asserting that a new team in Downing Street will not “alter the reality.”
She issued a preemptive warning while acknowledging that she is not “naive” to the public's desire for change.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has advised potential Labour leadership challengers to step asideCredit: PA
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has not dismissed the possibility of a bid to succeed Starmer, having been linked to the position for several monthsCredit: Splash
Her remarks come as speculation grows about who will be the next PM.
Ms. Reeves told the FT: “A different leader or a different chancellor will not change that reality.”
“It will take hard work and dedication to alter that reality. However, I am aware that people are impatient, and I share that sentiment.”
In the interview, she confesses that she often calls the former PM, the only other living Chancellor, when she faces challenges, as she acknowledges that she has a “lonely job.”
When asked whether she would be dismissed after the Budget, she replied “No,” despite recent discussions surrounding her position.
However, discussions of leadership challenges arise after sources indicated that the PM would resist any leadership bid, particularly if it is perceived as a coup.
When asked if he would rule out a challenge, he replied: “I am not going to sit here this morning and dismiss what might or might not happen because I cannot predict the future.”
The former Labour Cabinet Minister hinted at a potential leadership challenge ahead of the Labour party conference in September.
He is also expected to facilitate Burnham's return to the House of Commons.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also been identified as part of a coupCredit: Getty
What did Rachel Reeves say about leadership challenges? Rachel Reeves urged potential challengers to back off, stating that a change in leadership will not alter the reality of the current situation.
Rachel Reeves urged potential challengers to back off, stating that a change in leadership will not alter the reality of the current situation.
How does Rachel Reeves feel about public impatience for change? She acknowledges the public's impatience for change and admits that she shares that sentiment.
She acknowledges the public's impatience for change and admits that she shares that sentiment.
Did Rachel Reeves express concerns about her job security? When asked about the possibility of being dismissed after the Budget, she confidently stated “No.”
When asked about the possibility of being dismissed after the Budget, she confidently stated “No.”



