Healey showdown raises fresh questions over Starmer-Reeves power dynamic

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are widely regarded as politicians similar in views and temperament, who remain calm in the face of political upheaval Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are widely regarded as politicians similar in views and temperament, who remain calm in the face of political upheaval Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images Analysis Healey showdown raises fresh questions over Starmer-Reeves power dynamic Kiran Stacey Policy editor Former defence secretary’s accusation, that PM lacks impetus and is easily swayed by chancellor’s demands, is familiar territory One of the most scathing accusations made by John Healey in his resignation letter on Thursday was that the prime minister lacks the authority to stand up to his chancellor. “You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,” the former defence secretary wrote . It is a criticism that has been levelled at Keir Starmer before – that without a political vision of his own he is too easily swayed by the demands of Rachel Reeves . But for allies of the prime minister, the irony is that on this occasion, Starmer was braced for a fight with Reeves and not Healey. “We went into Thursday thinking we were set for a showdown with the Treasury, not MoD,” said one. Another added: “The prime minister had pushed the chancellor into giving way more than she wanted, so we thought that was where the problems would lie.” The relationship between the two people at the centre of government has been one of the driving forces in Labour’s march to power and much of what has happened in the two years since. Starmer and Reeves are almost never publicly at odds, often choosing to make controversial announcements jointly. When the party decided in opposition to scale back its green ambitions , for example, the party leader and shadow chancellor appeared together in front of reporters to brief them on the details. Friends say the two are similar in views and temperament – steady, managerial politicians who may lack the charisma of some colleagues but pride themselves on remaining calm in the face of political turbulence. Reeves is the only cabinet minister who Starmer has guaranteed will remain in post until the election, even when her tearful Commons appearance triggered questions about her future. At times however their closeness – and Starmer’s distaste for settling ministerial disputes – has prompted questions over who is really driving the government’s agenda. For instance, allies of the prime minister say he was informed relatively late about the chancellor’s decision to cut winter fuel payments, and did not think to challenge her judgment. And when cabinet ministers wrote to Starmer asking him to overrule Treasury demands for departmental cuts, he appeared to give them short shrift. “Not every department will be able to do everyth