BoE's Bailey says stability is important amid crucial by-election - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

BoE's Bailey says stability is important amid crucial by-election

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 18, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 18, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Bank of England’s Bailey Highlights Stability as BoE Holds Rates Amid By-Election

Bailey Addresses Stability and Interest Rate Decision

Governor Comments on Political Neutrality and Stability

June 18 (Reuters) - Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said on Thursday that stability was important, when asked about a by-election which could return Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to parliament and pave the way for him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Bailey told broadcasters that he never involved himself in politics but added: "Stability is important, I think everybody recognises that."

Stability as a Non-Partisan Priority

"This is not one part of the political spectrum versus another. I think everybody recognises the importance of stability," Bailey said after the BoE left interest rates on hold.

Policy Minutes and Market Reactions

Interest Rate Decision and Market Pricing

In earlier policy minutes explaining his vote to leave interest rates on hold, Bailey said market pricing showed an upward slope in British government borrowing costs over time.

Risk Premia and Contributing Factors

That reflected more "risk premia" than interest rate expectations alone, he said, without elaborating on whether he meant British political risks or other factors such as global inflation dangers.

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by David Milliken)

Key Takeaways

  • Bailey stressed central bank neutrality but underscored that political stability is critical during sensitive moments such as pivotal by‑elections, as monetary policy relies on predictability.
  • The Makerfield by‑election on June 18 is fraught: Andy Burnham’s potential return to Parliament could trigger a leadership challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Reform UK mounting a strong populist threat.
  • Although Bailey cited rising UK government borrowing costs reflecting risk premia, he did not specify whether this was due to political uncertainty from the by‑election or broader inflation and global factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Bank of England change interest rates in the latest meeting?
No, the Bank of England left interest rates on hold.
What did Bailey say about British government borrowing costs?
Bailey said market pricing reflected more 'risk premia,' suggesting that borrowing costs are influenced by more than just interest rate expectations.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category