Wes Streeting has secured the support of enough Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge against Andy Burnham, according to sources. The shadow health secretary is being urged by some colleagues to stand to avoid a “coronation” of the former Greater Manchester mayor.
Cabinet ministers loyal to Keir Starmer have said they will not back any candidate against Burnham, urging the chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, not to run. Jones is understood to be reluctant to enter the contest but is considering Burnham’s economic plans before deciding.
Supporters of Jones have expressed concerns about the prospect of Ed Miliband becoming chancellor under Burnham, warning it could cause a negative market reaction. “Ed as chancellor would be a disaster,” one said. However, several senior ministers have already backed Burnham, including Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds.
One minister said: “It would be crackers to have a contest at this stage. We have to move on from this period and try to pull together.” Another urged Jones not to run in a contest he would be unlikely to win.
Burnham is considering appointing Miliband as chancellor but has not made a final decision. Sources said Burnham was aware of the potential risks, with business and unions opposed to the move, but could be prepared to argue for a bolder approach. He has stressed he will stick to Rachel Reeves’s fiscal rules.
Most MPs believe Jones has no chance of reaching the threshold of 81 MPs’ support to enter the contest, with one saying the numbers are “barely in double figures”. Former defence minister Al Carns is also considering a run, saying: “I’m not ready to make a decision on this in any way shape or form.”
