Andy Burnham is poised to pledge economic growth and commit to Labour's budget rules as he looks to strengthen his financial credentials following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, which has left him almost certain to walk through the door of No 10.
The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to deliver a speech on fiscal policy next week, as first reported by The Times, after making his return to Westminster as an MP off the back of his Makerfield by-election win.
Cabinet Reshuffle Rumours
Discussions are also said to be under way regarding a potential reshaped Cabinet, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood both mooted as possible candidates to take over from Rachel Reeves as chancellor. However, Mr Burnham's allies insisted that no positions had been handed out and no agreements struck as of Monday evening.
The likelihood of an uncontested path to the top job for the former mayor grew stronger on Monday, as his principal rival, former health secretary Wes Streeting, threw his support behind him to succeed Sir Keir.
Potential Challenger Darren Jones
Yet Darren Jones is reportedly considering whether to throw his hat into the ring, which could throw a spanner in the works for Mr Burnham, following reports that Starmer loyalists were encouraging him to stand. Sources close to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister indicated he was not currently inclined to enter the race, but that he would seek guarantees on economic policy, amid concerns among some quarters about potential market jitters.
Should Mr Burnham be the sole candidate to secure the backing required to stand, he could be installed as prime minister as early as mid-July. In an emotional address outside No 10 on Monday, the Prime Minister conceded he had lost the backing of his MPs and vowed an “orderly handover of power” to whoever succeeds him.
Starmer's Resignation Speech
Standing by his record, he pledged to give the next leader “my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago”. Sir Keir announced he would ask Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to set out a timetable that would see a new leader in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer recess on September 1.
However, the appointment of a new leader could happen considerably sooner, with nominations closing on July 16. Prospective candidates have until that date to secure the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs. On Monday evening, Sir Keir and his wife Victoria welcomed No 10 staff for drinks in the No 10 garden, where the couple expressed their gratitude to those gathered.
Gratitude from the Starmer Family
Lady Starmer told them: “I just wanted to say thank you from me. I obviously love Keir and support him as much as I can, but there's only so much I could do, and it's you guys who gave that support day in, day out, and I am personally really grateful for that. So, thank you all.”
Mr Burnham praised Sir Keir's “huge service to our country” but said his resignation “marks the beginning of a transition”. He said: “The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
