Chancellor John Healey has appointed Ravinder Athwal, the economist credited with writing Labour’s 2024 manifesto, to a senior advisory role, Whitehall sources confirmed. Athwal, who previously worked in Keir Starmer’s team, has been recruited from consultancy firm Flint Global.
The hire comes as Healey prepares for a crucial budget on 28 October. Downturn-sensitive indicators — including elevated oil prices and rising government borrowing costs — have increased pressure on the chancellor to shore up his economic team and present credible fiscal plans.
Political commentators said the move was likely to fuel speculation about the timing of a general election, with bringing a prominent Labour policy architect into the Treasury seen as signalling readiness to sharpen messaging and policy coordination in the run-up to the budget and beyond.
Athwal’s transition from Flint Global back into a senior government advisory position underlines the continuing circulation of talent between political offices and external consultancies. The appointment is the latest of several changes to Healey’s team as the chancellor seeks to navigate an uncertain economic backdrop ahead of the autumn fiscal statement.
No further details about Athwal’s remit or the start date of his advisory role have been released, and Downing Street and the Treasury did not immediately provide additional comment. The appointment will be watched closely by market participants and political analysts for signals about the government’s fiscal approach as borrowing costs and energy prices remain key economic concerns.