Former Defence Minister Al Carns has stated he will not pursue the Labour leadership, endorsing Andy Burnham and calling for an end to internal division.
Carns told Sky News that a leadership contest would not be an effective use of the Labour party's time and that the party should rally behind Burnham. His decision leaves Burnham as the sole declared candidate for the leadership following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister last month.
Earlier in the week, Carns had expressed reservations, stating he could not support Burnham without more detail on his platform. However, after a conversation with Burnham on Tuesday, Carns concluded that the Makerfield MP would make sound decisions to advance the country.
Burnham is widely anticipated to become the next Labour leader and potentially prime minister later this month. The process for electing a new leader begins Thursday, with the opening of nominations for MPs. To be eligible, candidates require nominations from 81 MPs, representing 20% of the parliamentary Labour party. Additionally, they need endorsements from at least three affiliated socialist societies and trade unions, or from 5% of constituency Labour parties.
If Burnham secures 323 nominations from the 403 Labour MPs, it would mathematically preclude any other candidate from entering the race. In such a scenario, Burnham could be appointed Labour leader by July 17 and prime minister three days later, allowing for a transition of power.
Burnham had previously declared his intention to seek the leadership after winning a by-election in Makerfield and returning to Westminster. Sir Keir resigned as prime minister on the same day Burnham was sworn in as an MP, citing a realization that he was not the best person to lead the party into the next general election.
Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, had also been contemplating a leadership bid but ultimately decided to support Burnham shortly after Sir Keir's departure. Carns himself had been considering a leadership run. He had previously resigned as defence minister over disagreements concerning military spending levels.
Addressing the possibility of his own candidacy, Carns told Sky News that internal conflict would not benefit the party. He praised Burnham's track record, citing his work in Manchester, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his response to the Manchester Arena attack, and the positive economic direction of Manchester. Carns expressed confidence that these local and regional successes could translate to national leadership.