Andy Burnham is widely expected to become the next Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday, with reports indicating he will replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor. The new Makerfield MP met with Starmer on Tuesday in a face-to-face meeting described as "frosty" by The Guardian, marking their first encounter since Burnham's return to Westminster.
Burnham's Path to Leadership
Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is the favourite to succeed Starmer. Talks are ongoing about potential cabinet members and advisors. Senior Labour figures tipped for top jobs include former transport secretary Louise Haigh, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and former health secretary Wes Streeting. The BBC reported on Wednesday that Rachel Reeves will be replaced as Chancellor if Burnham becomes Prime Minister.
Darren Jones Rules Himself Out
On Wednesday morning, Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Prime Minister, ruled himself out of the Labour leadership contest. Speaking to Sky News, Jones said he had been "reassured" about Burnham's economic plans after their conversation on Tuesday. Asked if he would stand, Jones replied: "I'm not. And, look, I'm flattered by the support from colleagues, whether MPs or other important stakeholders in the party, but, look, it's not something that I'm going to do."
Jones urged Burnham to set out more of his economic policy to reassure Labour MPs, noting that there are "upwards of 100 MPs who have expressed concerns either around a contest or economic policy, or who were just feeling pretty depressed off the back of Keir Starmer resigning." He added: "My last conversation with Andy Burnham was to say, 'look, MPs are asking me to stand. I'm not going to but they're asking me to stand for a reason, and that's because they want you to set out more about your economic policy.'"
Leadership Contest Dynamics
While Burnham is the most likely candidate, other MPs had been discussed as potential contenders. However, with Jones ruling himself out, Burnham's path appears clearer. The meeting between Burnham and Starmer, held away from No 10, signals a tense transition. Burnham's economic plans remain under scrutiny as he seeks to unite the party.
