Chancellor John Healey urged to prioritise tax clarity and stability

Prime minister Andy Burnham named Healey chancellor yesterday evening (20 July), in a move that surprised pundits and the media. It had been widely speculated that Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband would step into the vacancy left by Rachel Reeves. The newcomer to the role is the sixth chancellor in just over four years. Healey, who resigned as defence secretary in June over a row over military spending, has been urged to get a grip on constant speculation that has dogged tax and pensions in recent years. "The UK tax system has become increasingly complex and subject to constant specu...