Labour MPs fear backlash over expected Burnham coronation

Labour MPs are under pressure from their local members who want a leadership contest rather than a coronation of Andy Burnham as prime minister.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester is all but set to take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister after Wes Streeting, his main leadership rival, dropped his candidacy and rowed in behind Mr Burnham following his by-election victory in Makerfield.

He was followed by Darren Jones, a Starmer loyalist, who confirmed to Sky News that he would not throw his hat in the ring to force a leadership contest, despite reports that the prime minister's allies had been encouraging him to.

Politics latest: Grooming gang inquiry announces first areas to be investigated

One Labour MP told Sky News: "Even where supportive of Andy, CLP [constituency Labour Party] members aren't keen on a coronation and favour a contest so they can see him put through his paces. There is a lot of concern that we haven't seen a plan yet."

Another, when asked if their local party members favoured a contest over a coronation, said: "Yes but what will be will be now. There is a general acceptance of a coronation now Darren has said he's not standing."

A third Labour MP added: "Most CLPs always want to feel a part of things, understandably - although often times it's the core group of activists rather than every member.

"The party and MPs need to be mindful now of ensuring people realise a coronation isn't a deliberate act if no one else wanted to stand. We don't want to alienate people."

They continued: "Perhaps Andy Burnham will do a 'tour' to bring the members with him. I hope he will."

Mr Burnham confirmed on Monday that he would stand to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader and prime minister after his victory over Reform in the Makerfield by-election saw him return to the Commons to take up his seat as a new MP.

In an interview with Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Mr Jones said he had decided not to stand because he had received the assurances he was looking for from Mr Burnham regarding his plans for the economy.

"Well, look, I was never planning or organising a leadership campaign like some of my colleagues," he said.

"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.

"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: "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."

Read more:
How will a new prime minister be selected?
Burnham meeting Labour MPs to 'win their confidence'

Although Mr Jones has ruled himself out of the contest, there are still questions over whether Al Carns, who resigned as armed forces minister over the defence investment plan, could throw his hat into the ring.

The Royal Marines officer Al Carns told journalists at the Foreign Press Association in London that he had not ruled out standing in a potential contest.

Nominations for the Labour leadership open on 9 July and close on 16 July, with a leader to be elected by 1 September if there is a contest.

On Tuesday, Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir held face-to-face talks with Mr Burnham.

He has pledged to oversee a "smooth transition" of power following his resignation and has authorised Civil Service access talks to begin for "prospective candidates" for the Labour leadership.

(c) Sky News 2026: Labour MPs fear backlash over expected Burnham coronation