Healey chancellor appointment risks prompting defence spending fears in bond market

Fresh questions for investors in UK assets

clock • 4 min read

The unexpected appointment of John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer has raised fresh questions for investors in UK assets.

Andy Burnham had only been Prime Minister for a matter of hours when news broke that Rachel Reeves had been jettisoned, and it was quickly announced the former defence secretary would take over at the Treasury. The early favourite to become the next chancellor was Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who was widely considered to be at the more fiscally prudent end of the Labour Party spectrum.  With Mahmood staying in post, investors have had to quickly reassess and, as ever, the bond market is casting its judgement.  While Healey is not known to have radical stances on taxation and spe...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on UK

Phillip Wickenden: The Budget before the Budget
UK

Phillip Wickenden: The Budget before the Budget

America’s $40trn debt milestone is already narrowing the choices available in Britain’s October Budget. Advisers should watch how that pressure travels from the bond market into mortgages, tax and client plans, writes Phillip Wickenden.

Phillip Wickenden
clock 26 August 2026 • 5 min read
Why Andy Burnham must harness the power of long-term policy to give investors confidence
UK

Why Andy Burnham must harness the power of long-term policy to give investors confidence

'It’s fair to say it's been far livelier in Westminster this summer than usual'

James Alexander
clock 06 August 2026 • 4 min read
Healey chancellor appointment risks prompting defence spending fears in bond market
UK

Healey chancellor appointment risks prompting defence spending fears in bond market

Fresh questions for investors in UK assets

Alex Sebastian
clock 22 July 2026 • 4 min read