Two Labour MPs are weighing leadership bids following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday, as the party navigates a succession race that could reshape its direction ahead of the next general election.
Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who returned to the House of Commons last week after a decisive by-election victory in Makerfield, is widely seen as the frontrunner. But ex-armed forces minister Al Carns and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones are reportedly considering challenges to ensure Burnham does not win without a contest.
Under Labour rules, any challenger must secure the backing of 81 MPs to be added to the ballot. Both Carns and Jones are said to be testing support among colleagues.
National Conversation or Internal Contest?
Carns, a former Royal Marine who served 24 years in the military before entering politics, told ITV's Peston on Monday that he had not yet decided whether to stand. He argued that the UK needed a "national conversation" about "what this country wants to be at the next general election."
In an essay published the same day, titled "The next leader has to govern differently," the MP for Birmingham Selly Oak outlined a vision focused on improving opportunities for young people, protecting the National Health Service, and making the UK "the best place in Europe" to start and scale a company.
"I know colleagues will be thinking about setting out their agendas. They should. But the conversation has to centre on national purpose," Carns wrote.
Jones, who also serves as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has reportedly been encouraged by allies of Starmer to mount a bid. A Starmer loyalist and MP for Bristol North West since 2017, Jones has not publicly commented on his intentions.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the race, announcing his support for Burnham. In a statement on Monday, Streeting said he was convinced Labour could "get itself back on track and fight off the growing challenge of the right" under Burnham's leadership.
"We were elected to change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good, and to spread opportunity for everyone. With Andy, we still can," Streeting wrote.
Burnham's return to Westminster was met with theatrical shouts of "Rome is saved" and "he's not the Messiah" as he walked through the House of Commons. He previously served as MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 before becoming Mayor of Greater Manchester, a role he held for eight years.
His by-election victory in Makerfield last week saw him win around 55% of the vote, beating candidates from Reform UK and Restore Britain.
The leadership contest comes at a critical moment for Labour, which faces a resurgent right and internal divisions over strategy. The outcome will determine the party's approach to key issues including economic policy, public services, and the UK's relationship with the European Union. The EU-UK summit scheduled for later this year is now in doubt as Starmer sets his departure timetable.
Londoners have reacted with a mix of resignation and hope, as captured in a recent survey. The coming weeks will test whether Labour can unify behind a new leader or face a prolonged internal battle.
