Healey has served as a member of Parliament since 1997 and was defence secretary under Keir Starmer. Healey may play "bad cop" by delivering tougher fiscal messages, leaving Burnham to take a more publicly supportive position. The measure could support household incomes but would reduce government revenue, requiring spending cuts, higher taxes elsewhere or stronger growth. Markets will focus on whether Healey can preserve fiscal discipline while funding defence priorities and delivering Burnham's domestic commitments. Related articlesGood cop, bad cop?