GB News Breakfast halted its regular programming for a breaking news update on Wednesday, delivering another blow to outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer just days after his tearful resignation announcement. The bulletin confirmed that Darren Jones will not challenge Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership, instead endorsing the Makerfield MP and clearing his path to become the next prime minister.
Breaking news interrupts broadcast
Presenter Ellie Costello announced: "Just want to bring you this breaking news we've just heard from Darren Jones. He says he won't challenge Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership. He has instead endorsed Andy Burnham. He was said to be considering a bid. He says he's now had conversations with Andy Burnham - a reassuring conversation on the economy." Her co-host Alex Armstrong added: "So it does look like we're heading to a crowning of Andy Burnham."
Armstrong expressed frustration over reports that Burnham is receiving government briefings despite being a backbencher. "We've lost our marbles in this country," he fumed. "In any normal circumstances people [would be] going, what on earth is going on, this man isn't Prime Minister, he's not Labour Party leader. I think we've got to get a reality show that this is showing [on]. We've got serious problems in Britain, and that's my opinion," he said, adding: "But obviously we do need to see some sort of orderly transition, don't we."
Impact on Labour leadership race
Jones's withdrawal removes one of the most credible potential challengers and significantly boosts the prospects of a swift coronation for Burnham. As a senior Starmer loyalist and a prominent right-leaning figure in the government, his endorsement carries substantial weight within the party. The development comes hours after Burnham held his first private meeting with Starmer since announcing his leadership bid.
Downing Street has confirmed that Burnham and any other candidates will receive "access talks" with civil servants, coordinated by Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, ahead of formal nominations opening on July 9. Government business will continue as normal but without major new policy announcements or spending commitments until a new leader is in place. The long-delayed defence investment plan, however, is still expected before the upcoming NATO summit.
Momentum builds for Burnham
With Wes Streeting already backing Burnham and Jones now stepping aside, momentum appears commanding. Potential wildcard Al Carns, the former armed forces minister, has yet to rule himself out, though sources suggest he may struggle to secure the 81 MP nominations required.
