Darren Jones, a close ally of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has stated he does not wish to serve as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in Andy Burnham's incoming government. Jones, who relinquished his own leadership ambitions to support Burnham, expressed that the role requires someone "fully bought into the project" and suggested he is not that individual.
"I would encourage them to keep [the role], I don't want it… I'm not the right person to be the next Chief Secretary," Jones stated, indicating a potential divergence in philosophy despite his backing of Burnham. He added that he would be "delighted to be part of that and to contribute" in a different capacity on Burnham's front bench.
Jones' comments emerged as Burnham is reportedly considering delaying cabinet appointments until he officially assumes the premiership, a move that has raised concerns in Whitehall about readiness for the transition, particularly regarding the naming of a new Chancellor.
Leadership Ambitions and Economic Reassurances
Jones had been considered a potential leadership rival to Burnham following Starmer's resignation. He announced he would not stand for leadership on June 24, stating that Burnham had reassured him about understanding the fiscal constraints on government spending. However, Jones also noted that he had "not spent the last few months or years preparing for a leadership campaign like some of my colleagues had," a remark seemingly aimed at remaining contenders.
He elaborated that calls for him to run stemmed from concerns among MPs about Burnham's economic policies and manifesto commitments. "Mr. Burnham 'reassured me that on the fundamentals of economic policy he understands the fiscal constraints we all live under. But he believes you can do politics a bit differently under those fiscal constraints,'" Jones said.
Jab at Rival Candidate
During his remarks at the Politico Conference in London, Jones also appeared to take a swipe at Al Carns, the former Veterans Minister, who has yet to officially rule out a leadership bid. When asked about Carns, Jones expressed surprise, stating, "Is he still in the contest? Well good for him." He further commented on the requirements for a leadership bid, saying, "The nominations will close soon and if Al's got 81 MPs and two General Secretaries, and a few hundred thousand pounds, then off he goes."