Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Two prominent Labour MPs are reportedly contemplating leadership bids to ensure there is a formal contest before Andy Burnham potentially becomes prime minister unopposed. Among those considering a run is former defence minister Al Carns, while Darren Jones, Sir Keir Starmer’s Chief Secretary, has also not dismissed the possibility of standing, according to BBC News sources.
Following Sir Keir’s announcement of his resignation on Monday, many Labour MPs believe that Burnham could take office as early as 17 July, the day after the leadership nomination period closes. Despite this, a significant number within the party are uneasy about the prospect of a leader whose policy proposals have not been subjected to the scrutiny of a leadership election.
There is some internal pressure for Jones, a close associate of Sir Keir, to enter the race, although his candidacy is currently considered unlikely. In an interview on ITV’s Peston, Jones stated, “I’m not ready to make a decision on this in any way shape or form.” He further emphasized the importance of focusing on long-term goals, saying, “What I would say is we need to move from the politics which talk through the tactics and think about the strategy and what I’m really looking for are big objective outcomes that we want to get to in 2029 and 2034/35.”
Potential candidates must secure the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs by the nomination deadline. Wes Streeting, once viewed as Burnham’s main contender, swiftly endorsed him, increasing the likelihood of Burnham’s smooth ascent to leadership. However, some MPs, like John Slinger, insist that a full leadership contest is essential. 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.”
In response to the Labour leadership developments, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour’s approach, labeling Sir Keir a “terrible prime minister” and accusing Labour of favoring higher taxes to increase benefits. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed public frustration with ongoing political instability, remarking that people are “sick of being let down by an endless merry-go-round of prime ministers while nothing really changes.” Reform party leader Nigel Farage outright called for a general election, warning Labour against an easy transition to power. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said while hope remains for Burnham to bring “meaningful change,” the outcome remains uncertain.
Burnham is expected to clarify parts of his policy agenda in a speech next week, pledging to grow the economy and adhere to existing fiscal rules that aim to limit government borrowing and finance spending through tax revenues by the end of the decade. Allies of Burnham have indicated that no decisions have yet been made about his potential chancellor, with one insider stating, “No jobs have been given and no deals made.”
Sir Keir Starmer rose to leadership of the Labour Party in April 2020 and became prime minister on 5 July 2024 after a decisive general election win. On Monday evening, he and his wife hosted No 10 staff for drinks in the garden of Downing Street, expressing gratitude for the support they had received during his time in office
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.