Favorite to replace Starmer may face competitors to prevent his "coronation"
Kyiv • UNN
Al Carns and Darren Jones are considering running for the Labour Party leadership. This could prevent Andy Burnham from being automatically appointed Prime Minister.
In the UK, at least two high-ranking Labour Party parliamentarians are considering running for leadership to prevent Andy Burnham from becoming the country's prime minister without an official contest, reports the BBC, writes UNN.
Details
Former UK Defence Secretary Al Carns said he is weighing whether to run, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, also has not ruled out entering the race, as the BBC has learned.
Labour Party MPs increasingly believe Burnham could become prime minister as early as July 17 — the day after nominations for a new leader close — following Starmer's announcement of his resignation on Monday.
However, a significant portion of MPs are uncomfortable with the idea of a leader whose political ideas have not been tested in a leadership contest, the publication writes.
Some MPs are urging Jones — a close ally of Starmer — to run. This is considered unlikely, but Jones is known not to have ruled it out.
Carns, who was Minister for the Armed Forces until his resignation earlier this month over defence spending, also indicated he is interested in vying for the top post.
"I am not ready to make any decision on this," he said on ITV on Monday evening.
Starmer said he has asked the Labour Party's governing body to set a timetable for his replacement, with nominations opening on July 9 and closing before the summer recess on July 16.
Potential candidates must secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs by that time.
Many consider Burnham the favourite to replace Starmer after his convincing victory over his Reform UK party rival in last week's by-election in Makerfield.
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who was officially sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons on Monday, said he would put his name forward in the party leadership election.
Wes Streeting was considered his main rival, but the former Health Secretary quickly offered his support to Burnham, increasing the likelihood of his "coronation," the publication writes.