Starmer holds secret talks with Burnham as Labour leadership race heats up

Keir Starmer held secret talks with Andy Burnham just 24 hours after announcing his resignation, as the frontrunner to be the next prime minister faced growing pressure to allow a contest. The meeting came after Starmer acknowledged his support had drained away, and Burnham confirmed he would stand to succeed him. The new MP for Makerfield described Starmer's resignation speech as 'the beginning of a transition', adding he would 'put myself forward as part of this process'. He is currently unopposed, which could see him installed in Downing Street by mid July. But that prospect has split Labour MPs, with some pushing for another candidate to step forward to prevent a coronation. Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had been considering his own bid, instead threw his weight behind Burnham, saying 'he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism'. However, two other figures are still weighing their options: ex-armed forces minister Al Carns has not ruled himself out, and senior minister Darren Jones is being urged by some MPs to stand. An ally of Jones heavily played down the likelihood he would ultimately stand, saying he merely wanted to know more about Burnham's platform, especially on economic policy. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told BBC Breakfast he was backing Burnham because the party needed 'someone with a track record of delivery and delivering change'. He added: 'But secondly somebody who is best placed to defeat Reform at the next general election.' Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds also strongly backed Burnham, saying she didn't believe any rivals had enough support to challenge. Independent MP Diane Abbott, a former Labour MP for almost 40 years, said she hopes Burnham will restore the Labour whip but supports a leadership contest over a 'coronation'. Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome said a contest over the summer is 'the only democratic way' for Labour to test candidates' ideas. To enter a contest, any challenger would need 81 backers from Labour MPs. Many of those who remained loyal to Starmer are highly sceptical of backing a challenge, making it seem unlikely that Jones or Carns could muster the required support. Burnham was sworn in as an MP on Monday and took a selfie with about 200 of his Labour MP supporters. The question now is whether the party will have a contest or anoint Burnham unopposed.