Labour MPs Consider Leadership Challenge to Prevent Burnham's Uncontested Rise
At least two senior Labour MPs are contemplating leadership bids to stop Andy Burnham from becoming prime minister without a formal contest.
Former defence minister Al Carns has indicated he is evaluating a potential run, while Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to Sir Keir Starmer, has also not dismissed the possibility of a challenge, according to .
Labour MPs increasingly anticipate Burnham could become prime minister as soon as 17 July—the day after nominations for the new leader close—following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement of his resignation on Monday.
However, a significant number of MPs are uneasy about the prospect of a leader whose policy positions have not been tested through a leadership race.
Some MPs are encouraging Jones, a close ally of Sir Keir, to stand. Although his candidacy is considered unlikely, Jones has not ruled it out.
Carns, who served as armed forces minister until his resignation earlier this month over defence spending concerns, has also expressed interest in pursuing the top job.
"I'm not ready to make a decision on this in any way shape or form," he told ITV's Peston on Monday night.
"What I would say is we need to move from the politics which talk through the tactics and think about the strategy and what I'm really looking for are big objective outcomes that we want to get to in 2029 and 2034/35".
Sir Keir stated he had requested Labour's governing body to establish a timetable for his replacement, with nominations opening on 9 July and closing by the summer recess on 16 July.
Potential candidates must secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs by the deadline.
Burnham is widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir after his decisive victory over his Reform UK opponent in last week's Makerfield by-election.
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who was formally sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons on Monday, confirmed he would stand in the leadership contest.
Wes Streeting, previously seen as Burnham's main rival, quickly pledged his support, increasing the likelihood of a "coronation".
John Slinger, Labour MP for Rugby, expressed the views of many within the party who believe a full leadership contest is essential.
"I think the public out there would think we'd slightly lost our minds if we didn't go through a process where we subject people who aspire to the highest office in the land to completely normal scrutiny,"
he told the BBC's The World Tonight on Monday.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the Labour Party's policies, describing Sir Keir as a "terrible prime minister" and stating:
"Labour MPs only want higher taxes to hand out more benefits... These are Labour's choices and their values, regardless of who is running the party."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey commented that the British public were "sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes".
Reform leader Nigel Farage called for a general election, asserting:
"If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming."
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, remarked that people would hope Burnham could deliver "meaningful change" but that the "jury is out".
To clarify aspects of his policy agenda, Burnham is expected to deliver a speech next week outlining plans to grow the economy if he becomes prime minister, while adhering to the government's fiscal rules.
These rules aim to limit borrowing and ensure day-to-day spending is covered by tax revenues by the end of the decade.
Burnham's allies indicate he has not yet decided on his choice for chancellor, with one source stating:
"No jobs have been given and no deals made."
Sir Keir was elected Labour leader in April 2020 and became prime minister on 5 July 2024 following Labour's landslide general election victory.
His decision to resign means the UK will soon have its seventh prime minister since 2016.
On Monday evening, Sir Keir and his wife Victoria hosted No 10 staff for drinks in the No 10 garden, where they expressed gratitude for the support received.
