Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham 'coronation'

At least two senior Labour MPs are considering launching leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham becoming prime minister without a formal contest.

Former defence minister Al Carns has said he is weighing up whether to run, while Sir Keir Starmer's Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, has also not ruled out a challenge, BBC News understands.

Labour MPs increasingly believe Burnham could become prime minister as early as 17 July - the day after nominations for the new leader close - after Sir Keir announced his resignation on Monday.

However, a large contingent are uncomfortable with the idea of a leader whose policy ideas have not been tested in a leadership race.

Some MPs are urging Jones - a close ally of Sir Keir - to stand. It is considered unlikely but Jones is understood not to have ruled it out.

Carns - who was the armed forces minister until he resigned earlier this month over defence spending - also indicated he was interested in a tilt at the top job.

"I'm not ready to make a decision on this in any way shape or form," he told ITV's Peston on Monday night.

"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".

Sir Keir said he had asked Labour's governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on 9 July and ending by the summer recess on 16 July.

Potential candidates have until then to amass the support of at least 81 Labour MPs.

Burnham is seen by many as the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir after an emphatic victory over his Reform UK rival in last week's Makerfield by-election.

The former Greater Manchester mayor, who was formally sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons on Monday, said he would put himself forward as a candidate in the leadership contest.

Wes Streeting had been viewed as his main rival but the former health secretary was quick to offer his support to Burnham, increasing the likelihood of a "coronation".

John Slinger, the Labour MP for Rugby, voiced the feelings of many within the party who believe it is "necessary" to have a full leadership contest.