The King of the North is set for a coronation as Al Carns says he will not run for Labour leadership, paving the way for Mr Burnham to become prime minister without a contest
Andy Burnham looks set to walk into Number 10 unopposed after Al Carns ruled himself out of the Labour leadership race. The former armed forces minister was thought to be the last viable challenger who was considering whether to put himself forward.
Nominations for the leadership contest open on Thursday and prospective candidates have time to get the necessary 81 MP backers needed to stand. But he said: “Months of internal Labour politics isn’t what the country needs right now.”
With no other candidates expected to put their name forward, Mr Burnham is likely be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17.
When asked on Sky News if he would put himself forward, Mr Carns said: “The time right now is not the right for a contest. I’ve always wanted a debate… But I think we’ve all got to get in the boat and row in the same direction.
“My view would be we need to get on board. Andy’s done a good job with Manchester, he’s done a great job during Covid, he’s seen the Manchester Arena attack and dealt with that very effectively, and the economic trajectory of Manchester’s in a positive way.
“If we can do that at the local, the regional level, and the national level, I think that’s hitting the right place.”
Mr Burnham will still take part in an online hustings with Labour MPs on Monday evening, even if he is the only one in the running. He is expected to become prime minister on July 20.
A previous poll of Labour members found King of the North Mr Burnham was by far their most preferred candidate to be the next party leader. The survey, held in May, found 42% chose Burnham as their first preference, while just 3% said Mr Carns.
A recent survey found voters have a more positive view of Mr Burnham than outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer, but he lags behind Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in favourability.
The poll found Mr Burnham is the most trusted leader on the NHS, industrial relations, housing and climate change. However, Badenoch was trusted most on education and the economy, with Farage most trusted to deal with immigration.
Mr Burnham also recently topped a poll of who voters would most like to have a pint with, beating the Reform UK leader, who this week triggered a byelection after being asked questions about where his money came from.