Burnham's last potential rival Al Carns rules out leadership bid

Former Defence Minister Al Carns announced he will not contest the Labour leadership, endorsing Andy Burnham and urging the party to unite behind him. Carns stated that a leadership contest would not be the "best use of Labour's time" and that the party "needs to get on board" with Burnham's vision.

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a leadership contest was 'not the best use of Labour's time' and in his view 'we need to get on board' with Burnham.

Carns's decision effectively leaves Andy Burnham as the only declared candidate for the Labour leadership. This follows the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister last month. Earlier in the week, Carns had expressed reservations about supporting Burnham until he saw more details of his plans for government. However, after a conversation with Burnham on Tuesday, Carns concluded that the Makerfield MP would "make the right decisions and move the country forward."

Burnham is widely anticipated to become the next Labour leader and prime minister later this month. The process for electing a new leader commences on Thursday, when nominations open. Candidates require nominations from 20% of Labour MPs (81) and endorsement from at least three affiliated socialist societies and trade unions, or 5% of constituency Labour parties. If Burnham secures 323 nominations, it becomes mathematically impossible for any other candidate to enter the race, potentially making him leader by July 17 and prime minister on July 20.

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Andy's done a good job with Manchester, he's done a great job during Covid, he's seen the Manchester Arena attack and dealt with that very effectively, and the economic trajectory of Manchester's in a positive way.

Burnham had previously declared his intention to seek the leadership after winning a by-election in Makerfield and returning to Westminster. Sir Keir resigned on the same day Burnham was sworn in as an MP, citing questions about his suitability to lead the party into the next general election. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, had considered a bid but ultimately decided to back Burnham. Carns himself had been contemplating a leadership run after resigning as defence minister over military spending disputes. However, he ultimately decided against it, citing the party's internal interests.

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internal blood letting was not in the party's best interests.