Healey Resigns as Chancellor Amid Defense Spending Review Delay

John Healey resigned as Chancellor. This followed political attacks by the Conservatives against Andy Burnham regarding defense spending. The government is now considering delaying a spending review, which was expected in the spring, until next year in hopes that the economy will have improved. Separately, Niall Ferguson spoke at a party conference in Birmingham, urging the government to prepare for war.

The potential delay of the spending review postpones tough fiscal choices needed for defense spending targets. The Conservatives criticized the government for not providing clear plans for defense funding and rearmament.