Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, could face a challenge for the Labour leadership from Cabinet minister Darren Jones and former armed forces minister Al Carns, as MPs consider whether to install him as prime minister without a contest.
Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and a key ally of outgoing leader Sir Keir Starmer, is being touted as a potential candidate by those loyal to Starmer. Sources close to Jones said he is not currently minded to run but would seek assurances on Burnham’s economic policy, amid concerns about potential market unease.
The second potential rival is former Royal Marines officer Al Carns, who told journalists he has not ruled out launching a leadership campaign. He said Burnham would “listen” to the Parliamentary Labour Party and take advice on policy ideas, but added: “A vision without a plan is a dream and if you don’t have it, it can turn into a nightmare pretty quickly.”
Burnham backer Nick Thomas-Symonds suggested a contest would not be in the national interest, telling Sky News: “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.”
Burnham is set to deliver a major speech next week outlining his economic policy, including a commitment to stick to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules. Talks are also under way about his potential Cabinet, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood tipped as possible replacements for Reeves as chancellor.
If Burnham is the only candidate to secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs by the July 16 nomination deadline, he could become prime minister as early as July 17. Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, promising an “orderly handover of power”.
