Andy Burnham’s hopes of becoming prime minister without a formal contest have been given a boost after two potential rivals for the top job have been left struggling to get enough support from Labour MPs.
Sir Keir Starmer’s chief secretary, Darren Jones, and former armed forces minister Al Carns were considering launching leadership bids after a large number of Labour MPs admitted they were uncomfortable with a ‘coronation’ for Mr Bunrham, whose policy ideas have not been tested in a leadership race.
However, allies of Mr Jones – many of whom remained loyal to Sir Keir – and supporters of Mr Carns have now played down claims that they are planning to run against the former Greater Manchester mayor.
One supporter of Mr Carns told The Independent: “We're quite passive rather than active, seeing how it plays out, but don't need to rule anything out.”
The admission increases the likelihood of Mr Burnham becoming prime minister as early as 17 July – just a matter of weeks after Sir Keir announced his resignation on Monday.
On Tuesday Sir Keir held face-to-face talks with Mr Burnham for the first time since announcing his departure, as the pair met for an hour-long “off-site” discussion in what is seen as the first symbolic moment of a handover.
Mr Burnham will also start receiving government briefings to prepare for power after Sir Keir authorised civil service access talks to begin for “prospective candidates” for the Labour leadership.
The outgoing prime minister told his cabinet he wanted an “orderly transition” and insisted he would try to make the process “as easy as possible” for his successor at a weekly meeting on Tuesday morning.
Downing Street said no “major” new policy decisions or spending pledges would be made in the coming weeks, adding that Sir Keir would agree priorities with Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo in the coming days.
But it comes amid anger that Sir Keir is planning on pressing ahead with publishing his much delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP) despite his imminent exit from Downing Street.
One ally of Mr Burnham said: “It is a bit rich that he sat on the plan for months and now wants to rush it through just as he is leaving.”
But while Sir Keir has now delayed the Brexit reset summit from the planned date of 22 July until a successor is in place, he has made it clear he plans to press ahead with the DIP before the summit with Nato in early July.
Confirming it, deputy prime minister David Lammy said DIP “will deliver another unprecedented increase in defence spending” when it is published.
But the plan is likely to cause a headache for his successor after it triggered the resignations of defence secretary John Healey and Mr Carns. Mr Healey accused the Treasury of being “unwilling to commit the resources that the nation needs” with the proposed increase just £10bn instead of the £23bn needed.
The issue is of enormous importance because of the commitment with NATO to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and with US president Donald Trump insisting America’s allies must pay more.
Added to that, NATO members have been warned that they could be at war with Russia within five years while the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underlined the need to be prepared to defend British interests.
While Mr Burnham’s camp has yet to respond, it is understood that anything Sir Keir unveils could be ripped up and redone once he becomes prime minister.
However, the focus currently is to ensure the former Manchester mayor is in No 10 by 17 July – the day after nominations officially close.
Teams of MPs are trying to dissuade others from nominating rivals for a contest.
It is understood both Mr Carns and Mr Jones are struggling to get the 81 MPs needed for a nomination and only one of them would be able to be put forward as a candidate if those who want a contest find someone to unite behind.
The path for Mr Burnham was opened up when former health secretary Wes Streeting announced he would not stand.
There is now speculation that Mr Streeting could be Mr Burnham’s chancellor or get another senior position in the cabinet.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds suggested a contest would not be in the best interests of the country.
A number of MPs are uncomfortable with the thought that Mr Burnham will secure the top job in Westminster, without his policies facing any scrutiny.
If no Labour MP runs against him, it is likely he will be prime minister by 17 July.
