Labour MPs are weighing the possibility of supporting challengers to Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, amid concerns about his ascent without a formal leadership contest. Some MPs have urged Chief Secretary to the PM Darren Jones to enter the race, but sources close to Jones have dismissed the idea. Former defence minister Al Carns has also hinted at a potential bid, stating that his decision depends on the vision and policy on offer.
Challengers Face Uphill Battle
Serious doubts remain over whether either Jones or Carns could secure the 81 MP nominations required to trigger a contest. Burnham is believed to have the backing of a majority of Labour MPs and would be a clear frontrunner if a race is initiated. Nominations open on July 9 and close by July 16, meaning Burnham could become PM the next day if no rival emerges.
Cabinet Ministers Oppose Prolonged Contest
Several Cabinet ministers have voiced opposition to a lengthy leadership battle. Starmer loyalist Nick Thomas-Symonds backed Burnham, calling for "a swift transition" of power. He said: "I just think we have to weigh up what is in the best interests of the country. I am of the view that it needs to be a swift transition but of course I understand colleagues have difficult decisions to make." Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds echoed this sentiment, stating: "I don’t want a contest. I’ve lived through many different contests as an MP and as a party member. I don’t want to do that in government. I don’t think we should spend the summer turning in on ourselves." She added that "nobody else has got the numbers" to challenge Burnham.
Backbenchers Call for Scrutiny
Despite ministerial support, some backbenchers insist on a full contest. Nadia Whittome argued that Burnham's ideas need testing, citing the cost of living crisis, housing crisis, poverty, and far-right violence. She said: "The starting point needs to be the issues that are facing the country... And the question for the Labour Party is how we deal with those problems. We can't answer that question without candidates setting out their stall transparently and being scrutinised by members and by unions." John Slinger, MP for Rugby, added: "I think the public out there would think we'd slightly lost our minds if we didn't go through a process where we subject people who aspire to the highest office in the land to completely normal scrutiny."
Uncertainty Ahead
An anonymous MP from a Red Wall seat noted: "Not convinced re Darren Jones, too much of a long shot right now. But Andy has no room to slip up. We might all laugh at the idea of a Starmerite challenger now but maybe in a month if the magic is wearing off, who knows." The coming weeks will determine whether Burnham faces a challenge or assumes the premiership unopposed.
