Rachel Reeves' allies are advocating for her to retain the role of Chancellor if Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, becomes Prime Minister following the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Concerns have emerged within Labour regarding the potential appointment of Ed Miliband as Chancellor, with some party members expressing that having 'two white men' in top positions would be problematic. This sentiment is echoed by a veteran who humorously referenced a Soviet flag when discussing Miliband's candidacy. As Burnham prepares for his political comeback, key figures like Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey are rallying support for him in Makerfield, where polls currently favor Reform UK. Despite previous tensions between Reeves and Burnham over fiscal policies, his recent commitment to her rules suggests a possible reconciliation. However, doubts remain about Reeves' popularity within the Parliamentary Labour Party, leading to speculation about her future role. With the political landscape shifting, Reeves is making efforts to enhance her reputation, including a series of announcements addressing the cost-of-living crisis.