2 Labour MPs Weigh Leadership Bids to Block Burnham Coronation by July 17
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
2 Labour MPs Weigh Leadership Bids to Block Burnham Coronation by July 17
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Summary
At least two senior Labour MPs are considering entering the leadership race to stop Andy Burnham becoming prime minister unopposed as soon as July 17, after Keir Starmer announced his resignation.
Al Carns said he was weighing a run, while Darren Jones has not ruled one out; any challenger must secure backing from at least 81 Labour MPs before nominations close on July 16.
Burnham remains the frontrunner after his Makerfield by-election win and formal return to the Commons, with Wes Streeting quickly backing him and raising fears among MPs of a "coronation."
Labour figures arguing for a full contest say a would-be prime minister should face normal scrutiny, while Burnham is expected next week to outline economic plans and keep the government's fiscal rules.
The succession will deliver Britain's seventh prime minister since 2016, prompting opposition attacks and renewed calls from Reform UK for a general election.