Cabinet ministers have rallied behind Andy Burnham as the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir Starmer, with the former mayor expected to enter No 10 as early as July 17. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had spoken to Burnham about foreign policy, stating he is "100% behind our unwavering support for Ukraine." Rachel Reeves also endorsed him, despite facing potential removal as Chancellor.
Backing from senior figures
Health Secretary James Murray joined the chorus of support for the newly elected Makerfield MP, as discussions continue over potential appointments in a Burnham government. Cooper, speaking from Poland, avoided direct criticism of Starmer's record but acknowledged that the May elections, where Labour suffered heavy losses, showed "people had stopped listening to us." She told ITV News: "I think it's exactly because we believe in all of the things that Keir Starmer fought for to get us elected in the first place that I also think that now it's really important that we can all get behind Andy Burnham as the next prime minister."
Reeves avoids commenting on her future
Reeves, widely expected to be replaced as Chancellor if Burnham becomes PM, declined to speculate on her role. "I'm not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make," she told the BBC. "I'm backing Andy. I think he'd be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make." Speculation over the next chancellor has centred on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, though Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones suggested Miliband might not meet his "tests" to run the Treasury, including not seeking to "control" the prime minister and reassuring markets and unions.
Leadership election timetable
Labour's National Executive Committee confirmed the leadership election schedule: nominations open on July 9, hustings for MPs and peers on July 13, and if no challenger secures 81 votes, a conference on July 17 will declare Burnham the winner. Some Labour MPs have considered backing an alternative candidate to prevent an uncontested coronation, but few challengers have emerged. Jones ruled himself out, and former defence minister Al Carns has not formally announced a bid.
Starmer focuses on cost of living
Sir Keir Starmer, during a visit to a cinema in Milton Keynes to launch VAT cuts on family activities, said he was focused on the cost of living despite political turmoil. He insisted most people are not preoccupied with government chaos, stating: "For most families across the country, the single most important thing is the cost of living." Starmer pledged to hand over power "with good grace," aiming to minimise disruption. "I will continue to faithfully serve my country to make sure that any disruption is absolutely minimised," he said.
