Julian Harris: Rachel Reeves’ Vision for Staying in the Job

This afternoon, Rachel Reeves became the first person to deliver the Mais lecture for a second time. In case you’re blissfully unaware, this is typically an annual event in London where a prominent public figure expounds on matters economic. Until now, it’s been a one-off invitation.

The chancellor’s zeal to lecture the City audience again, two years after her first appearance, was matched by a comprehensive media package that included pre-briefed extracts at the weekend, questions from the press and a podcast interview later tonight. The stage at Bayes Business School became much more of a political platform than is usually the case, with Reeves touting the Labour government’s achievements — as she sees them — and determination to help everyday families and “vulnerable households” (not your usual Square Mile crowd, in other words).