Reeves’s regional growth plans may outlast her tenure, report says
10 reported1 unconfirmed
A Guardian report states that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, despite being the least popular senior politician according to YouGov polling, has quietly advanced regional rebalancing policies that may outlast her time in office. The article notes that Reeves is associated with Labour reversals on winter fuel allowance, disability benefits cuts, and farmers’ inheritance tax, as well as an increase in employer national insurance contributions. YouGov’s latest tracker found 65% of respondents viewed her unfavorably, with 14% holding a positive opinion. The report highlights her work on the “OxCam corridor” and “northern growth corridor,” including a new development corporation for Greater Cambridge and £1.3bn in public investment for a Universal theme park in Bedfordshire. Reeves also rewrote the Treasury’s green book to reduce bias toward London and the south, and announced plans to give metro mayors a share of income tax revenues. The article suggests that if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection and becomes prime minister, he may not keep Reeves as chancellor, though he has pledged to follow her fiscal rules.
What’s reported
YouGov polling found 65% of respondents viewed Reeves unfavorably, 14% favorably.
Reeves is associated with Labour reversals on winter fuel allowance, disability benefits cuts, and farmers’ inheritance tax.
She increased employer national insurance contributions to avoid breaking Labour’s manifesto tax pledges.
Reeves has promoted the “OxCam corridor” and “northern growth corridor” for regional growth.
A new development corporation for Greater Cambridge was created.
Universal is planning a theme park in Bedfordshire with £1.3bn in public investment.
Reeves rewrote the Treasury’s green book to reduce bias toward London and the south.
She announced plans to give metro mayors a share of income tax revenues, starting in March.
Andy Burnham may become prime minister if he wins the Makerfield byelection and topples Keir Starmer.
Burnham has pledged to follow Reeves’s fiscal rules but expressed sympathy for reversing the NICs rise.
Open questions
Whether Andy Burnham would keep Reeves as chancellor if he becomes prime minister.
Key figures
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer
Andy Burnham, potential prime minister candidate
Keir Starmer, current prime minister
Peter Mandelson, critic of Reeves’s strategy
Andrew Carter, chief executive of the Centre for Cities thinktank
Sources: The Guardian
