Healey appoints Labour manifesto writer, fuelling election speculation
Summary
Ravinder Athwal, the economist who wrote Labour’s 2024 manifesto, is joining Chancellor John Healey’s team as a senior adviser ahead of a key budget on 28 October. This move may signal preparation for an early general election and reflects efforts to strengthen the Treasury's economic team amid challenges like high oil prices and rising borrowing costs.Key Facts
- Ravinder Athwal wrote Labour’s 2024 manifesto and helped create Keir Starmer’s five “missions” for government.
- Athwal is joining John Healey as a senior special adviser at the Treasury next week, before Healey’s first budget.
- Healey took over as Chancellor in July and has been building his team, including hiring Will Straw as chief of staff.
- The upcoming budget faces tough decisions due to inflation and higher borrowing costs reducing financial flexibility.
- Labour’s manifesto promises to avoid raising income tax, national insurance, or VAT, which limits budget options.
- Healey aims to keep a financial “buffer against uncertainty,” but it may be smaller than previous forecasts.
- A major spending review is expected next year, after Burnham announces Labour’s long-term plans.
- Athwal previously worked at the Treasury and as an adviser in Starmer’s Downing Street team before joining Flint Global.
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