Al Carns has refused a job in the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Government over an ongoing row about defence spending. A veteran of the armed forces, Mr Carns resigned last month as he accused former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of failing to give the military the money it needs.
Now the decorated war hero has told the press he declined a posting in the Burnham Administration because "the argument I resigned over has not yet been settled". Mr Carns had previously indicated he would stand for the leadership himself - against Mr Burnham - only to not do so and back the Makerfield MP instead.
Defence funding row continues
He had resigned at the same time as John Healey, the current Chancellor who had served as Sir Keir's defence secretary. Powerful bosses in the military had demanded £28 billion in additional funding for the underfunded armed forces, by 2035. However, the Treasury under then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused and committed to less than half.
Now Mr Carns has told his social media followers he refused a posting in Mr Burnham's government which will spark concerns the funding black hole in the army may not be filled. He wrote: "I had a good conversation with the Chief Whip today where she offered me a return to Government. After careful thought, I declined, with respect and with thanks."
Carns stands by his words
Mr Carns added: "I resigned in June because I did not believe the defence funding on the table was adequate for the threats this country faces. I said so publicly and I still stand by every word." At the time the resignation of both Mr Carns and Mr Healey sparked a crisis at the top of the Labour Party and led to accusations that Sir Keir was not keeping the country safe. It is one of several scandals that led to the downfall of the previous Prime Minister and the coronation of Mr Burnham as the uncontested leader of the party.
