Rachel Reeves is being “frozen out” of Keir Starmer’s inner circle as the Prime Minister seeks to wrest back the initiative, according to a leading political commentator.
Fraser Myers told GB News he believes the Chancellor’s days could be numbered, even as she works on what could be a pivotal autumn Budget.
Sir Keir yesterday unveiled sweeping changes to his No10 operation, bringing in fresh economic expertise.
One of the most significant changes is the appointment of Baroness Minouche Shafik, a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, as the Prime Minister’s economic adviser.
Fraser Myers has warned Rachel Reeves about what Keir Starmer’s latest decision could mean for her
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GB NEWS / PA
Sir Keir has also poached Darren Jones from the Treasury to help “turbocharge” No10 operations.
Mr Myers told GB News that Ms Reeves might be best advised to look over her shoulder, as she faces threats from within her own party.
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“This suggests he [Sir Keir] does not quite trust Rachel Reeves’ economic advice,” he told presenters Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello.
“He seemed pretty content to let Rachel Reeves get on with managing economic matters, but he now appears convinced there have been some major blunders coming from the Treasury.
Fraser Myers spoke to Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello about Keir Starmer’s No 10 shake-up
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GB NEWS
“Think of the Winter Fuel Allowance, which had to be reversed, and the botched attempt to cut welfare, which has damaged Keir Starmer’s standing within the Parliamentary Labour Party.
“Keir Starmer is ultimately responsible for these things, but he would like to blame the Treasury.”
When asked about Mr Jones’s appointment, the political expert said Sir Keir wants the view of the Chancellor’s former deputy before turning to Ms Reeves herself.
“It’s about freezing her [Ms Reeves] out of the circle,” he said.
Keir Starmer’s latest move will have Rachel Reeves worrying about her position, a leading political commentator has claimed
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PA“When you’ve seen economic advisers drafted into No10, historically it hasn’t been a good sign.
“Go back to Margaret Thatcher, who brought in Alan Walters, who disagreed with Nigel Lawson. That led to his resignation and eventually hers.
“We saw Sajid Javid resign when Dominic Cummings tried to impose a group of advisers between No10 and No11. Politicians can get territorial about these things that might not make sense to the outside world.”
Mr Myers added that while Sir Keir is seeking the strongest possible economic advice, he may yet continue to rely on someone he has trusted for a long time.
“I think Ms Reeves’ position is less secure than before, but she does seem to be someone he has long relied on,” he explained.
“We will see. Once he is armed with more economic advice, might he feel more confident about going with someone else?”
Reflecting on his shake-up, Sir Keir admitted to the BBC he was frustrated at the pace of change.
He said: “Most people feel that their living standards haven’t gone up and their public services aren’t what they deserve.
“I do want to go further and faster — and yes, I am frustrated. I get the frustration and anger of voters, because they want change.”