Andy Burnham faces hurdles in path to energy as Labour rivals ‘step ahead’
Labour MP Andy Burnham has confirmed he will be going for the leadership, but two potential rivals – Al Carns and Darren Jones – are being considered as candidates
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham faces hurdles in his path to No10 after two potential rivals for the Labour leadership stepped forward. The new Makerfield MP could be in Downing Street within weeks if a challenger does not emerge.
But cabinet minister Darren Jones and former armed forces minister Al Carns are being considered as candidates by Labour MPs wary about installing Mr Burnham without a contest.
Both will need the support of 81 Labour MPs to stand, while Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer has authorised access talks to begin with “prospective candidates”.
Mr Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and a key ally of Sir Keir, has support from those loyal to the outgoing Labour leader. Sources close to Mr Jones say he is not currently minded to run in a contest but would want assurances on Mr Burnham’s approach to economic policy.
Former Royal Marines officer Mr Carns is also making up his mind whether to launch a leadership campaign. Both are considering their options before nominations for the Labour leadership open on July 9.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds backed Mr Burnham for the Labour leadership and suggested a contest to replace Sir Keir would go against the national interest.
Mr Burnham is set to make a major speech next week to set out key aspects of his economic policy. He will start receiving Government briefings to prepare for power as the outgoing PM insisted he would seek to “resolve difficult issues” before his successor takes over.
Sir Keir told his Cabinet he wanted an “orderly transition” and insisted he would try to make the transition “as easy as possible” for his replacement. He said he would “seek to resolve difficult issues in the coming weeks to support his successor”, and “wanted whoever became the next prime minister to succeed”, according to the readout. Downing Street said no “major” new policy decisions or spending pledges would be made during this period.
