Close Starmer Ally Ben Nunn appointed as chief of staff to Rachel Reeves | working

One of Keir Starmer’s closest allies has been appointed chief of staff to Rachel Reeves in an effort to further strengthen ties between the high street and the treasury.

Ben Nunn, who has worked with the prime minister in opposition and is one of his most trusted advisers, will start his new role with immediate effect.

He was previously the chancellor’s media special adviser and had been closely involved in preparations for the budget later this month, in which Reeves is expected to put up income tax in a breach of a Labor manifesto promise.

The plans are understood to have been agreed by the Budget Board, a group of advisers from Downing Street and the Treasury that meet regularly to discuss the Chancellor’s options.

In his new role, Nunn, 38, has a key role linking the two operations, working closely with senior politicians in Westminster.

A senior Place on the Street source said: “Ben is well respected across government and this new role is a testament to the under 10 and under 11 and a close confidante of the Prime Minister.”

Nunn is understood to have had discussions with the Prime Minister and Chancellor in the autumn to take on a more senior role in government. At one point the options included a post at No 10. He will now work with Starmer and his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, as well as Chancelloreney.

Labor advocates believe that he will build a more cordial relationship between No 10 and the treasury to stop taking political decisions such as the cut in futuntance during the winter season during the winter season during the winter season during the winter season.

Katie Martin, who has held the chief of staff for almost five years, will take on a new role to cover the government’s long-standing relationship.

Reeves said: “Katie Martin has been my most trusted adviser for nearly five years and she is delighted to continue to support me in government ahead of the election with her year of leadership and dedication.

“Ben has been a key figure in the Labor Party and this government for the last decade. The skills and the thinking and the strategic thinking on waiting, cutting NHS waiting lists and cutting the cost of living.”

Martin will remain a special adviser until the end of the year before starting his new role as business adviser to the Chancellor in January.