John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job

John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence jobImage source, EPAByBrian WheelerPolitical reporterPublished11 minutes agoJohn Healey - who has been announced as Andy Burnham's Chancellor of the Exchequer - is seen as the ultimate safe pair of hands.Which made the 66-year-old's resignation as Sir Keir Starmer's defence secretary just over a month ago all the more shocking.Healey's assessment of the government's much-delayed defence investment plan - that it fell "well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time" - was devastating and undoubtedly hastened Sir Keir's departure from Downing Street.Now he's in charge of the funding not just of defence - but of every arm of government.He replaces Rachel Reeves, who had served as Sir Keir's chancellor since Labour's 2024 landslide election win.Loyal, and not someone who briefs against colleagues to journalists or indulges in political games, he has been around the top of the Labour party for three decades.Live updates on this storyBurnham's policy choices reveal what kind of PM he wants to bePublished2 hours agoHis resignation came days before Andy Burnham's pivotal by-election in Makerfield, adding to the sense that Sir Keir's premiership was falling apart.Healey earned plaudits from across the political spectrum for resigning on a matter of principle.He had clashed with Reeves, the woman he is now replacing, pointedly saying in is resignation letter that the Treasury had been "unwilling" to "commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats".His return to government in the most vital job of all in cabinet after the prime minister is an even bigger surprise than his resignation, given that his name had not been mentioned as a frontrunner in the increasingly feverish speculation about who Burnham would choose.Sources told the BB...