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LONDON: Darren Jones, an ally of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, endorsed Andy Burnham to take over on Wednesday after saying he had been reassured by the former mayor’s economic plans, including ways he could possibly borrow more.
Jones, chief secretary to Starmer, said he had discussed economic policy with Burnham after he alarmed investors last year by saying the country had to stop being in “hock to the bond markets”, comments he later said had been misrepresented.
Asked by Sky News if Burnham would borrow more, Jones said markets, trade unions and the governing Labour Party would accept targeted additional borrowing if backed by a credible plan to stimulate the economy.
Jones said there was “room to borrow a little bit more” but added that Burnham had not outlined specific spending plans in their talks.
