Two Labour MPs are considering entering the race for the leadership of the Labour Party in a move that could prevent Andy Burnham from becoming Britain’s next prime minister without a contest.
The development follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that he would step down as Labour leader, triggering a succession process that has rapidly positioned Burnham as the overwhelming favourite to take over both the party leadership and the premiership.
According to reports, Al Carns and Darren Jones are weighing potential leadership bids, although questions remain over whether either candidate can secure sufficient backing from Labour MPs to mount a serious challenge.
While a leadership bid from Jones is currently viewed as unlikely, sources indicated that he has not completely ruled out entering the contest. Carns is also said to be considering his options ahead of the formal opening of nominations.
At present, political observers believe Burnham remains firmly in control of the race. However, with nominations not opening until July 9, party insiders caution that the political landscape could shift significantly before candidates are formally declared.
The contest gained further momentum on Monday when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who had been widely mentioned as a potential contender, publicly endorsed Burnham rather than launching his own campaign.
Burnham’s victory in the recent Makerfield by-election, which returned him to Westminster as an MP, is widely seen as the catalyst that strengthened calls for a change in Labour’s leadership and elevated his standing within the party.
Under Labour Party rules, nominations for the leadership contest will open on July 9 and close on July 16. Should no challenger secure enough support to enter the race, Burnham could effectively become Labour leader and prime minister as early as July 17.
Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Labour’s record in government following Starmer’s resignation announcement, arguing that the outgoing prime minister had struggled to govern effectively.
Speaking in an interview, Badenoch said she had sympathy for Starmer on a personal level but maintained that he had failed to perform adequately in office.
“The problem isn’t just him, it’s the whole Labour Party,” she said, claiming that Labour had prevented Starmer from making what she described as difficult but necessary decisions.
Badenoch also questioned Burnham’s readiness for national leadership, saying there were still unanswered questions about his positions on key issues including defence and welfare policy.
“We need to bring back some common sense. If we keep pretending being PM is a popularity contest we will keep getting people who can win elections but cannot run the country,” she said.
As Labour prepares for a potentially decisive leadership battle, attention is now focused on whether Burnham will face a formal contest or secure the leadership unopposed, a scenario that could see him installed as Britain’s next prime minister within weeks.
Erizia Rubyjeana
