Andy Burnham could be prime minister as early as 17 July – the day after nominations close – but a growing number of Labour MPs are trying to stop what they fear will be an uncontested coronation.
At least two senior Labour figures – former defence minister Al Carns and Chief Secretary Darren Jones – are considering launching leadership bids, the BBC has learned. Neither has ruled out running, though Jones is seen as unlikely to stand. Carns told ITV's Peston on Monday night: "I'm not ready to make a decision on this in any way shape or form. What I would say is we need to move from the politics which talk through the tactics and think about the strategy."
“Labour MPs consider challenging Andy Burnham to prevent an uncontested leadership race as he could become PM by 17 July.”
The concern, voiced by MPs including Rugby's John Slinger, is that Burnham's policy ideas will go untested. Slinger told the BBC's The World Tonight: "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."
Burnham, who was sworn in as MP for Makerfield on Monday after crushing his Reform UK rival by more than 9,000 votes last week, has confirmed he will put himself forward as a candidate. He described Starmer's resignation as "the beginning of a transition", adding he will "put myself forward as part of this process".
The path was cleared when Wes Streeting – until recently viewed as Burnham's main rival – backed him, saying "he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism". But many MPs remain uncomfortable with the prospect of a leader whose ideas have not been tested in a formal contest.
Potential candidates have until the summer recess on 16 July to amass the support of at least 81 Labour MPs. Nominations open on 9 July. Sir Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation on Monday, said he had "heard the answer of my parliamentary party" and accepted it "with good grace". A YouGov snap poll found 62% of Britons think it was right for Starmer to resign.
Burnham, who has lost two previous leadership bids, now faces the challenge of winning over his party – and the country. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar warned that the next prime minister faces a "battle for the heart and soul of the country".