Sir Keir Starmer met with Andy Burnham on Tuesday to discuss ensuring an “orderly” transition of power following Starmer’s announcement that he will step down as prime minister.
This meeting marks the first encounter between the two since Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election last week.
The hour-long session comes as Sir Keir has authorized prospective Labour leadership candidates to hold briefing talks with civil servants to adequately prepare them for the responsibilities of government.
As the only candidate to emerge thus far, Burnham could ascend to the position of prime minister as early as July 17, provided he remains unchallenged.
Should he take office, Burnham is expected to offer Rachel Reeves a mid-level or junior cabinet role. A close associate of Burnham informed the BBC that he holds Reeves in high regard and intends to include her in his senior team.
Representatives for Rachel Reeves have been contacted for comment.
The identity of the next Chancellor remains uncertain, with Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, John Healey, and Yvette Cooper currently mentioned as potential candidates.
Furthermore, sources close to the Makerfield MP suggest that Burnham intends to appoint former Labour cabinet minister James Purnell as his Downing Street chief of staff.
Purnell previously served as the secretary for culture as well as work and pensions under Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2009.
Since leaving Parliament in 2010, Purnell has held several high-profile roles, including a senior executive position at the BBC and a tenure as a university vice-chancellor. Most recently, he served as the chief executive of the strategy and lobbying firm Flint Global.
