Image source, EPA- Published20 July 2026
Andy Burnham's decision to appoint John Healey to the crucial role of chancellor of the exchequer was the rarest of things at Westminster - a genuine surprise.
It's not that the 66-year-old lacked experience or credibility - just that he had not been seen as a likely contender, with all the speculation about who would replace Rachel Reeves centring on more high-profile figures.
Healey had flown under the radar since his explosive resignation as Sir Keir Starmer's defence secretary in June this year.
