Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones has ruled himself out of the Labour leadership race and publicly endorsed the former Greater Manchester mayor as the politician most likely to succeed Sir Keir Starmer.
The announcement marks the latest development in a rapidly evolving political transition that has transformed the landscape of British politics following Starmer’s decision to step down as Prime Minister after losing the confidence of Labour Members of Parliament.
Jones, one of Starmer’s closest allies in government and a figure who had been viewed by some Labour MPs as a potential leadership contender, dismissed speculation that he would mount a challenge and instead declared his belief that Burnham is destined for Number 10.
Despite rumours that he could garner significant support within the parliamentary party, Jones categorically made clear in an interview that he had no ambitions to run.
“Well, look, I was never planning or organising a leadership campaign like some of my colleagues. I was getting on with the job as chief secretary to the Prime Minister.
“And Andy Burnham is going to be the next prime minister. And if there was a contest of Labour Party members, he would win.
Darren Jones
“So the question for me is, well, what would the benefit be to the country and to the party of a leadership contest?,” he added.
While formal nominations for the leadership contest do not close until 16 July, Burnham remains the only declared candidate and appears to be steadily consolidating support among Labour MPs.
Jones’ backing is particularly significant because he has been associated with the party’s economic leadership and had previously been viewed as a possible standard-bearer for MPs seeking reassurance that Labour would maintain fiscal discipline under a new leader.
The Treasury Minister revealed that he had held extensive discussions with Burnham about economic policy and had been encouraged by what he heard.
According to Jones, MPs had urged Burnham to clarify his plans for the economy, prompting direct conversations between the two politicians.
“We talked then a lot about what he was thinking on the economy and what my thoughts were on that, and some of the potential ways forward for the new government.”
Darren Jones
Leadership Contest Appears Increasingly Unlikely as Burnham Consolidates Support
The prospect of a contested Labour leadership race appears to be fading as more senior figures move behind Burnham and preparations begin for a possible transfer of power within weeks.
Earlier, Starmer and Burnham met face-to-face for the first time since the former Manchester mayor secured victory in the Makerfield by-election, a result that returned him to Westminster and immediately intensified speculation about his leadership ambitions.
The hour-long meeting reportedly focused on ensuring an orderly transition and came shortly after Downing Street confirmed that prospective leadership candidates would be granted access talks with senior civil servants.
Such discussions are typically reserved for opposition leaders preparing for a general election, making the decision highly unusual and underlining the seriousness with which officials are treating the prospect of a leadership change.
If Burnham remains unchallenged, he could become Prime Minister as early as 17 July.
Behind the scenes, attention is already turning towards the shape of a possible Burnham administration.
Reports suggest that former cabinet minister James Purnell is expected to become Burnham’s chief of staff should he enter Downing Street. Purnell, who served in Gordon Brown’s government before leaving Parliament in 2010, has since built a career spanning the BBC, higher education and the private sector.
Speculation has also emerged over the future of Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
One ally of Burnham indicated that Reeves could be offered a junior or mid-level cabinet role rather than retaining her current position as Chancellor.
However, Burnham’s team has stressed that no decisions have yet been made regarding cabinet appointments.
The question of who would oversee the Treasury remains one of the biggest uncertainties surrounding a potential Burnham government. Names being discussed within Labour circles include Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, John Healey and Yvette Cooper.
Despite growing support for Burnham, some MPs remain cautious about endorsing him without a formal contest.
Former Armed Forces minister Al Carns has also indicated he is still weighing whether to stand, noting thathe wants greater clarity on Burnham’s policy programme before making a decision.
Nevertheless, momentum appears to be moving decisively in Burnham’s favour.
With senior Labour figures increasingly falling into line behind Burnham’s candidacy and no major challenger yet emerging, Burnham’s path to Downing Street appears clearer than at any point in his political career. Whether that momentum translates into an uncontested coronation or a formal leadership battle in the weeks ahead may now depend on whether Labour’s remaining sceptics believe they can mount a credible alternative.
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