Andy Burnham is poised to become leader of the Labour Party unopposed following the withdrawal of his main rivals. Darren Jones announced Monday he would not stand, stating he had received assurances from Burnham. Former defense minister Al Carns also indicated he is unlikely to seek nominations, expressing a desire to support Burnham.
Burnham's path to leadership appears clear after a significant by-election victory and the resignation of Keir Starmer. If no other candidate emerges, he is expected to be installed as leader on July 17.
Jones, previously seen as a potential challenger aiming to avoid a 'coronation,' stated on Sky News that he would not pursue the leadership. He noted that while flattered by colleague support, his decision was firm. Jones urged Burnham to articulate his economic policies more clearly, suggesting that a significant number of Labour MPs had expressed concerns about the economic direction or felt dispirited by Starmer's resignation.
"My last conversation with Andy Burnham was to say, 'look, MPs are asking me to stand. I'm not going to but they're asking me to stand for a reason, and that's because they want you to set out more about your economic policy'," Jones said.
Jones also outlined criteria for the next Chancellor of the Exchequer, emphasizing the need for someone who understands the political economy, has a strong working relationship with the Prime Minister, and can reassure markets, trade unions, and the parliamentary Labour Party. When pressed on whether Ed Miliband met these criteria, Jones stated, "I will let you mark those tests, but those are the tests I think need to be met."
Carns, speaking on BBC Newsnight, suggested he would likely back Burnham but wanted to see a more detailed policy platform first. "We just want to see behind AB what are the policies that he's going to really push forward," Carns commented. "We want to get behind him, step off on the right foot together and go hell for leather to deliver over the next three years."
Attention is already shifting to the composition of Burnham's potential top team. Despite lobbying, allies of Burnham have signaled that Rachel Reeves is unlikely to remain as Chancellor. The prospect of Ed Miliband taking the Treasury role has reportedly raised concerns among unions, businesses, and Labour moderates.
In related developments, sources claim that Sir Keir Starmer faced a difficult session at Prime Minister's Questions as Labour MPs appeared to rally around Burnham. Additionally, former Cabinet minister James Purnell is reportedly being considered for the position of Burnham's chief of staff. Advisers to Burnham have previously advocated for the abolition of the state pension triple lock.