Senior minister Darren Jones has officially ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest, throwing his support behind Andy Burnham while urging the former mayor to flesh out his economic policies. In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday morning, Jones revealed he had secured enough MP backing to challenge Burnham but decided against a bid, arguing that a protracted contest would leave insufficient time to prepare an autumn budget.
Jones’s Decision and Call for Policy Details
Jones stated he had a “reassuring” conversation with Burnham regarding the Makerfield MP’s economic approach, which influenced his decision. He emphasized that Burnham should provide more clarity to the “upwards of 100 MPs” who either have concerns about his plans or are “feeling pretty depressed” following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. Jones noted that while there is “room to borrow a little bit more” within existing fiscal rules, there are alternative methods to achieve Burnham’s objectives “without broad brush borrowing and spending.”
Warnings on Cabinet Roles and Fiscal Strategy
Jones appeared to caution Burnham against appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor, declining to endorse the Energy Secretary when outlining a set of “tests” for the next occupant of Number 11. He stated that the next chancellor should avoid trying to “control” the prime minister and must “reassure” markets, trade unions, Labour MPs, and the public. When asked if Miliband “falls short” of these tests, Jones replied: “I will let you mark those tests, but those are the tests I think need to be met.” He also denied being offered a role in Burnham’s future cabinet.
Leadership Race Dynamics
Jones’s withdrawal removes a significant obstacle for Burnham, with few other MPs considered potential challengers. Former defence minister Al Carns, who resigned over defence spending, remains a possible contender, telling the BBC on Tuesday he was “pretty serious” about launching a bid but wanted to see Burnham’s policy platform. If no candidate secures the 81 nominations required to appear on the ballot, Burnham could become prime minister by July 18, making him Britain’s fifth prime minister in four years.
Transition and Cabinet Speculation
Prime Minister Starmer has already authorized “access talks” between leadership contenders and the Civil Service, allowing Burnham to receive government briefings once he demonstrates support from 81 Labour MPs. Discussions are ongoing about Burnham’s potential cabinet and behind-the-scenes advisors. While there was speculation that Starmer could be offered an international role, Downing Street downplayed this, indicating the Prime Minister intends to remain a backbench MP for the rest of this Parliament. His spokesman stated that Starmer told ministers “this is the end of my journey, but this is not the end of yours.”
Potential Cabinet Members and Fiscal Proposals
Senior Labour figures tipped for top jobs under Burnham include former transport secretary Louise Haigh, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and former health secretary Wes Streeting. Additionally, James Purnell, a former Labour cabinet minister who served with Burnham in the Blair government, is reportedly being considered as chief of staff, according to the Times. Crossbench peer Jim O’Neill, who has been advising Burnham, told the Guardian he wants a new independent body established to enable extra infrastructure spending within Labour’s fiscal rules. This body could follow the Office for Budget Responsibility model, allowing billions more for transport and public works projects.
